During their treatment, they are accompanied by a nursing expert / Advanced Practice Nurse (APN).
Nursing advice and support includes the following points:
- Provision and explanation of information material for the surgical procedure and hospital stay
- Continuous support before the operation, during the hospital stay and during follow-up treatment
- Assistance in dealing with changes to the body, such as instruction on how to dilate the neovagina
- Arranging contacts within and outside the hospital, such as social services, specialist stores, psychological services and self-help groups. If desired, also with former patients
- Coordination of interdisciplinary appointments
- Advice on questions, uncertainties or problems with returning to everyday life for both trans people and their relatives
- Sex therapy and medical advice
Consultation hours Dates
A preliminary consultation with the APN takes place in preparation for the operation. Follow-up checks are carried out every two weeks for the first six weeks, as correct wound care and stretching are very important, especially in the early postoperative phase. The intervals are then extended until the final check-up after three months.
Wound care
Wound care will take a lot of time in the first four to six weeks, and you will be instructed on the procedure during your stay in hospital. You will receive a brochure and a video as support.
Video: Wound documentation and dilation
(The following video is intended exclusively for patients of the USZ and is therefore password protected. You will receive the password during the preliminary consultation if you decide to have the operation with us).
To the video
Stretching the neovagina
Regular dilation is necessary to optimally counteract a narrowing of the neovagina. Neovaginal stretching is recommended twice a day for 30 minutes each time, especially during the first six months, and can then be gradually reduced.
Work
For working patients, a certificate of employment is issued for four to six weeks.
Sport
Light sporting activities are possible again after six weeks. You should refrain from swimming and strength training for the first three months after the operation.
Sex life
You should not have vaginal or anal intercourse for three months after the operation. The sexual climax is very individual. Some trans women experience the feeling again quickly, for others it can take several months. Getting to know each other is very individual and so is the time it takes. We are happy to provide you with information about important experiences and testimonials from other patients who have undergone surgery.
Annual inspections
You will be invited for an annual check-up with the APN at the Plastic Surgery Clinic for the rest of your life. It is important for us to know how you are feeling and whether the functionality of the vagina is preserved.
This is an offer from our center, if you do not wish to take advantage of the annual check-up, you can also decline it.