Gender-Affirming Care: Supporting Your Journey Before and After Surgery

Gender-affirming surgery is a deeply personal and meaningful step in many individuals' journeys. While much of the focus is naturally on the surgery itself, preparation and recovery extend beyond the operating room. Just as physical therapy can improve outcomes for orthopedic and other pelvic surgeries, pelvic floor physical therapy can be an important part of preparing for and recovering from gender-affirming vaginoplasty.

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help patients feel more informed, confident, and prepared for surgery. Before surgery, a pelvic health physical therapist evaluates the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. Many patients are surprised to learn they have pelvic floor muscle tension that could affect postoperative recovery. Physical therapy can address these issues through education, breathing techniques, pelvic floor relaxation, bowel and bladder management strategies, and individualized exercises tailored to each person's needs.

After surgery, pelvic physical therapy helps patients adapt to changes in pelvic anatomy, improve mobility, manage scar tissue, reduce pain, and learn techniques for pelvic floor relaxation. Therapists can also provide guidance with dilation, bowel and bladder function, posture, and returning to everyday activities and exercise.

Research highlights the value of this approach. A 2019 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology examined a pelvic floor physical therapy program for transgender women undergoing gender-affirming vaginoplasty. Researchers found that 42% of patients had pelvic floor dysfunction and 37% had bowel dysfunction before surgery. Among those identified with dysfunction, nearly 70% experienced resolution of pelvic floor issues and nearly 73% experienced resolution of bowel dysfunction by their first postoperative visit after participating in physical therapy. Patients who completed both preoperative and postoperative physical therapy were also significantly less likely to experience pelvic floor dysfunction after surgery than those who received therapy only after surgery.

If you or someone you care about is considering gender-affirming surgery, know that you don't have to navigate the process alone. Pelvic health physical therapy can provide education, support, and practical tools to help you prepare for surgery and recover with confidence.

At Link Physical Therapy, we are committed to creating a welcoming, affirming environment where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

We invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about how pelvic physical therapy may fit into your surgical care plan.