Irritation post-sex reassignment surgery

[psykokandy.livejournal.com]

Hi, there!

I have a question that I can't seem to find the answer to anywhere. My partner is a post-op trans man. He had lower surgery 7 years ago, including closing up his vagina. Lately, he's felt irritation where his vaginal opening used to be. Also, his vaginal canal is still there and feels itchy.

Any ideas what this could be, or where we could look for information? We can't seem to find to find anything.

Comments

[notapromqueen.livejournal.com]

I have no experience in this, but is it possible for him to call where he had the operation? Or, the pre-op doctor he spoke to prior to the surgery?

[psykokandy.livejournal.com]

not really - they weren't very nice people! thanks for the suggestion, though :)

[doomweasel.livejournal.com]

I don't know about SRS in particular, but in general itchiness/irritation can be a sign of infection. Is it possible to find a good doctor to take a look at it, just in case?

[jetaimemoncheri.livejournal.com]

This, especially because the canal is still there. I'd be curious to how they would look, though.

OP, definitely have him call a doctor. Sorry I'm not more help.

[gloraelin.livejournal.com]

RE: looking, I'd imagine they'd do bloodwork to check for raised white cell counts plus possible doing an ultrasound/MRI/Xrays/CT scan.

[psykokandy.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the suggestion, both of you! :) his doctor isn't the most comfy one to go to, which is why we were trying to find out on the internet, heh heh :)

[quietchildae.livejournal.com]

Given how long ago his surgery was, I would definitely be trying to get in touch with the doctor who did his surgery, to rule out infection, or complications.

Though, on the other hand, is it possible that it's scar tissue causing the itch? I know some of my old scars can randomly get super itchy and annoying, for no particular reason. Has he tried massaging the skin that is itching with something like vitamin e oil? It can be helpful with reducing skin irritation, and relaxing scar tissue.

[misspaigeb.livejournal.com]

That's what I was thinking. Scars can be hella itchy, but I don't know if it would still be itching 7 years after the surgery? Seconding the Vitamin E oil! I don't think it could hurt.

[quietchildae.livejournal.com]

While obviously, a completely different thing, I have retired surface piercings on both sides of my ribs that have been out for 3+ years now. They STILL itch! :D Scar tissue is really amazing stuff actually, it does interesting stuff. :D

[elialshadowpine.livejournal.com]

My ex has surgical scars from the late 90s that still itch to this day. It's possible!

[psykokandy.livejournal.com]

The thing is that it's itching inside the vaginal canal, which is closed up. he can't get at it to put anything on or in it. The suggestion about it being scar tissue sounds about right, though - there is scar tissue in there. Thanks :)

[jetaimemoncheri.livejournal.com]

Ooh, good call! My scars from a laparoscopy I had a couple years ago itch randomly, too. That could definitely be it. But it wouldn't hurt to follow up with the doc, just in case.

[barrelofrain.livejournal.com]

I don't have a good answer, but I've heard that there's a good bottom surgery community on yahoo groups. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of it... maybe lower_surgery? If your partner isn't a member, perhaps someone on ftm could direct him to it and share an answer.

[psykokandy.livejournal.com]

Thank you!!

[bellaunbound.livejournal.com]

I would recommend follow-up with a physician. "Closed" areas may still serve as potential weak points in the skin barrier as well as "pockets" for potential infection (bacteria may have entered the body from another point and collected in a different spot).