Gender affirmation
Pelvic dysfunctions related to gender affirmation
The pelvic floor is located in the pelvis. It is composed of muscles, fascia and ligaments. Its main role is to support the abdominal organs. It also aids in continence and sexual function. Everyone has a pelvic floor, regardless of their assigned sex at birth.
How can my transition affect my pelvic floor?
Certain practices related to gender affirmation can affect the pelvic floor. In particular, tucking can cause tension or urinary problems. Your physiotherapist can help you practise safely and can also help manage any symptoms that may arise.
Hormone therapy can also cause changes in the tissues of the pelvic region. For example, testosterone can cause trophic changes in the vulva and cause discomfort or difficulties during sexual intercourse. Your physiotherapist can work with you to manage these types of symptoms.
Finally, surgeries such as vaginoplasty or phalloplasty directly affect your pelvic floor. Preoperative follow-up can ensure optimal function before surgery and prepare you for postoperative changes. Postoperative follow-up can also help treat certain symptoms that may arise, including:
Urinary disorders;
Lumbopelvic pain;
Difficulty with dilation (vaginoplasty);
Sexual dysfunction.
Do I need this type of service?
This type of service may be relevant for you if:
You would like support with your tucking practice;
You are planning bottom surgery and would like pre-operative support;
You are experiencing discomfort related to tucking or bottom surgery that you would like to address;
You are having difficulty with dilation (vaginoplasty).
Abdominal dysfunctions related to gender affirmation
How can my transition affect my abdomen?
Certain affirmative practices such as binding can cause symptoms such as decreased mobility in the rib cage. Your physiotherapist can ensure that your practice is safe and suggest exercises to maintain chest mobility.
Your physiotherapist can also support you before and/or after upper body surgeries, such as breast augmentation or mastectomy, to ensure proper recovery of the area, particularly by maintaining the mobility of scar tissue and the compliance of your rib cage.
Do I need this type of service?
This type of service may be relevant for you if:
You would like support with your binding practice;
You are planning upper body surgery and would like pre-operative support;
You are experiencing discomfort related to binding or upper body surgery that you would like to address.
Our approach is human, respectful of your realities, and focused on your needs.
First appointment: assessment
This is the process during which we will discuss the different aspects of your pelvic issues related to your gender transition in order to identify the causes and aggravating factors of the difficulties you are experiencing. The purpose of this first meeting is also to present the services offered and to discuss the follow-up process (payment, frequency of meetings, etc.). It will also be an opportunity to review aspects related to consent and confidentiality together.
Follow-up appointments
Following the assessment, the physiotherapist will share their conclusions and recommendations with you. You can then decide whether you would like to begin physiotherapy treatment. If so, the physiotherapy treatment goals will be established together and follow-up appointments will be scheduled. During these appointments, the physiotherapist will support you in developing better pelvic health, at your own pace and according to your goals. The physiotherapist will provide their services in an atmosphere of trust, respect and non-judgement.
Fares - Physiotherapy
Assessment (60 min)
Follow-up appointment (50-60 min)
- 150 $
- 130 $
IVAC mandates accepted by certain professionals. Please write to info@clinique-euphoros.ca for further information.
The Euphoros Clinic offers reduced rates. Contact info@clinique-euphoros.ca to determine if you are eligible.