T Types

There isn't a lot of information out there about the different forms of testosterone and the pros and cons of each. So I decided to dig up some info and present it here for everyone who is considering starting T.

The most common form is injections. When using this type, you use a needle to inject the testosterone directly into a large muscle (usually a thigh).

Some people (including myself) choose to use patches instead. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin. These patches are placed on the thighs, arms, or back. I personally put them on my thigh.

AdroGel is another form of testosterone. It works similarly to the patches (that is the same stuff that is in the patches). It is absorbed through the skin.

Pills are the last form used in hormone therapy. They work like any other pill you have ever taken in your life. You swallow them with water or soda or whatever drink you prefer (non-alcoholic). I am also pretty sure you are not supposed to take them on an empty stomach.


There are pros and cons to each form. You have to pick which one is right for you. I just want to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision.

Injections

• Cheapest option
• Allows for an even distribution of hormones
• No spikes and crashes
• Having to poke yourself with a needle every day
• Have to be very careful and clean with everything

Patches

• Expensive
• Allows for an even distribution of hormones
• No spikes and crashes
• Residual adhesive left behind
• No needles involved

Gel

• Expensive
• Messy
• Fairly even distribution of hormones
• Doctors recommend against it because of how messy it is because if it gets on someone else, they absorb it into their skin
• No needles involved

Pills

• Cheaper than patches and gels
• More expensive than injections
• Spikes and crashes
• Not a very even distribution of hormones
• Negative effects on the liver
• No needles involved

They also make pellets that are implanted under the skin and buccal systems, but they are expensive and I haven't heard much about them other than that. My doctor didn't even mention those options when I went to get my prescription started.

I'm sure you can tell from the fact I put "no needles involved" under everything that wasn't injections, that I have issues with needles. That is the main reason I decided to go with the patches. You just have to weigh all the pros and cons of everything and make your decision. And if one form doesn't work well for you, talk to your doctor about switching.

If you feel I have left anything out, please feel free to shoot me an email so I can update this. My email is TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com. Thanks for reading. 

Voice It

I want to get some of your feedback. I want to know your opinions on things. I want to get to know you. I am going to post some opinion questions below and I would appreciate it if you would take a little bit of your time to share your opinions with me. I'd love another point of view. Thanks!

1. Would you ever date someone who is transsexual? Pre-op? Post-op?

2. Which surgeries are you interested in? (If any)

3. How do you feel about the word "passing?"

4. Do you own/want a strap-on?

5. Do you go swimming? If so, what do you wear?

6. Do you wear a binder and/or compression shorts? Do you like them? Would you reccommend it?

7. Do you pack? If so, what do you use to pack with?

8. Are you interested in or do you have an STP device? If you have one, do you like it? And which one do you have?

9. What is your preferred name?

10. Do you plan on taking T?

As I said, I would love to hear from you. I want to post your opinions and things. I want to discuss with my readers. Please, do this little survey. It would mean a lot to me and could help add more depth to this blog.

Email your answers or anything else to TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com
Thanks again! :D

Let me see your hips SWING!

Sad fact: FTMs generally have larger hips than bio males. I know my hips are larger than I would like them to be (especially since I wear skinny jeans). I get quite frustrated with them.

Did you know that there are boxers that you can get that will slim your hips? The lovely website where most FTMs buy their binders, underworks.com, has those boxers. They call them "compression shorts." On that website, they cost $25.

I had been considering getting a pair or two in order to help my hips slim down. I will have to pay for my surgeries and t and everything out of pocket, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to fork over money for those too.

I needed some new boxers, but I didn't want to pay $25 a pair. So I went to Walmart to get some regular boxer-briefs. I was looking around and what did I find? Compression shorts. They aren't designed for FTMs, but I thought, "Why not?" They were only $7 and I didn't really have anything to lose.

I bought a pair. I think they are amazing. They might not give as smooth of hips as the ones designed for us would, but it's enough for me. They are Starter brand. They are made for guys to work out in so they aren't "free-ballin." They come in different colors. I believe they had black, blue, gray, and red. I got the red ones.

I thought you guys might like to know about this great opportunity to acquire some good compression shorts. I mean, there are Walmarts everywhere.

I hope this helped you guys! Have a great day!

The Problem With "Passing"

Alright, there is somewhat of a controversy over the word "passing" when refering to trans people. Some feel like it implies that we are trying to "pass" as something we are not. These people that oppose the word prefer the word "presenting." They feel it is more appropriate.

Honestly, I think this is just stupid. "Passing" is a term that has been used for a long time and I think it still works well. I take it as you are able to "pass" society's standards for what a male/female is. If society can see you as what you want it to, it's like you "passed" a test. I just think it makes sense and is easy.

I don't quite understand "presenting." I get that it's like you're "presenting" yourself as male/female, but how is that any better than "passing?" I just think it is a stupid change that doesn't really make anything better. But that's just my opinion.

Feel free to email me your opinions. I would love to get your opinions on the issue so I could post what you feel too. Or if you feel I left something out, I'd love to know. You will, of course, be credited with whatever you share with me.

So please let me know.
TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com

FTM Terminology

Binding: flattening one's breast tissue to make a male-appearing chest

Cypionate: Short for testosterone cypionate. One of the most common testosterone types for ftms.

Enanthate: Short for testosterone enanthate. Another one of the most common testosterone types for ftms.

F2M: See "FTM"

Female-to-male transsexual: A person who was born in a female body, but whose gender identity is male.

FTM: Short for "female-to-male"

Gender dysphoria: A term coined by psychologists and medical doctors that refers to the state of discomfort felt by transsexuals and some transgender people caused by the incongruity between one's physical sex and one's gender identity. When you want to make an appointment with a therapist, this is the reason you give them for the need to meet with them.

Gender Identity: One's internal feeling of being male, female, or somewhere in between.

Genderqueer: Someone whose gender identity is neither male or female.

Hermaphrodite: An outdated term for intersexed

Packing: Creating a male-looking/male-feeling bulge in one's crotch

Passing: In FTM terms, being seen as male by others. (Many object to this term and I'll make a post about the controversy)

STP device: Short for "stand-to-pee" device. A device designed to pee into a urinal or toilet standing up.

Stealth: After a transman has transitioned, he may not disclose the fact that he is transsexual to those around him

Shoes And Lifts

Most stores don't carry shoes smaller than a men's size 7. Trans guys tend to have smaller feet than bio males. So it's harder to find shoes. (I'm lucky because I have big feet. Size 9)

The internet is the best place for you to find smaller sizes. First, you should get your feet measured by a professional at a shoe store. If they don't have shoes in your size, go home and order some from online. If they have your size, you're a lucky duck and can choose to get a pair from the store or go home and order some.

Another issue can be helped/solved by shoes: height. You can get lifts for inside your shoes to give you a little more height. You could also get shoes with lifts made into them. The issue with shoes with lifts inside is that only that pair of shoes will add height, where as lifts can be moved from pair to pair. However, shoes with lifts already inside tend to be more comfortable and fit better.

I'm going to focus on the removable lifts because I find them to be a better option. I have a lot of shoes and would like to be taller in all of them. Lifts can be made of cork, plastic, or foam. They should be replaced every few months because of hygienic reasons. You might want to use lifts gradually so you don't get really tall really fast. Lifts can be uncomfortable and might not fit in smaller size shoes.

Obviously there are advantages and disadvantages to both lift options. I find the removable ones better, but that's just my opinion. I'm about 5'6" and would love a little extra height. And I want to be able to wear all my pairs of shoes.

Choose whatever option you like best. Maybe you don't need either because you're tall enough. I hope I helped at least a little.

Here are links to lifts:
http://www.tallerheels.com/
http://www.talleryou.com/
I think the second link has better availible heights and also has sample packs with great deals.


And here are links to lifting shoes:
http://www.elevatorshoes.com/
http://www.walktallshoes.com/
http://www.tallmenshoes.com/
The last link has the most options.

Binder Help

Let's face it, the economy is bad. And binders aren't exactly cheap. After transguys have their surgery, they don't need binders anymore. What do you think happens to those binders? There are sites that will help trans guys get the binders they need. After guys have their surgery, a lot of them donate them to programs that will recycle them and give them to guys that need them. After I have surgery, you can bet I'll be donating my binders. I wish I could have found these programs when I needed them.
I'll link it up for you guys.
http://inabind.transactiveonline.org/
http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/BBUB.html

The first link is for guys 21 and younger. The second is for 22 and up.

Any questions about the programs, ask the people in charge.

Packing

Not all trans guys pack. Personally, I do. There a places all over the web where you can purchase packers. They cost money which you might not have right now. I use a sock right now. I just turn it halfway inside-out. Use a decent sized sock when doing this. Little ankle socks probably won't make any visible difference. I think it works well enough for right now.

If you are packing for the first time, you might want to do a bit of research. Look at pictures of men in swin trunks, underwear, and jeans. You want your pack to look realistic, not like you have a tumor or something.

If you are buying a packer, be realistic. If you are a short guy, don't get the biggest packer you can find! Get one to match your skin tone. They aren't super expensive and will work the best for packing.

In my post about STP devices, I talked about packers that can be used in the restroom. They kill two birds with one stone; they pack your pants AND make it so you can pee standing. They are more expensive but probably worth it over all. I plan on getting one.

Any questions I didn't answer? Shoot me an email. TheAidenApocalypse@gmail.com

STP Devices

STP stands for "stand-to-pee." Having an STP device can be really useful for ftm's. You could potentially use a urinal in the mens restroom. There are different kinds of devices. Some devices you can make at home. Others must be bought. There are two groups of the kind you can buy: packers and non-packers.

If you want to make an STP devise for yourself, you can use a coffe can lid or a plastic disk. Cut the lip off of the lid so that it is flat. The plastic needs to be flexible enough to be rolled up into a funnel or "u-shape." Figure out what rolled up shape works best for you and there you go.

You could also use a medicine spoon to make an Stp. You put the wide end of the spoon up against you and angle the other end downward. You need to practice at home so you don't have leakage. If there are rough edges or a lip on the spoon, you can sand them down. Fine-grit sandpaper should do the trick nicely.

Non-packers do not remain in your underwear all the time. You normally keep them in your back pocket and take them out as you need them. There are different brands and types available:

   - Urinall is a lightweight, hard funnel. It is about the size of a large medicine spoon. It comes with a length of latex tubing that can be removed and replaced. http://www.urinall.com/home/

   - TravelMate is a modification of the medicine spoon. http://www.whenyagottago.com/



   - There are plenty of others, but I don't have time to explain all of them. Here are the links:

http://www.kristascups.com/
http://www.kristascups.com/
http://www.whizproducts.co.uk/en/
http://pee-zees.tripod.com/
http://www.shewee.com/
http://www.freshette.com/
http://www.campmor.com/
http://www.magellans.com/
http://whizzy4you.com/


Now, let's discuss the most popular type of STP's: packers. Most transguys find it's easier to get the STP packer because then you don't have to buy a regular packer and and STP seperately. STP packers can fool men in the restroom and locker room. You don't have to use a stall if you have one of these. They are generally more expensive, but I think they are worth it. You pee through a tube that runs through the shaft. You usually wear a harness with it.

Here are some links:

http://www.toolshedtoys.com/results.php?keywords=stp+packer

http://djknowsdicks.com/



http://www.peecockproducts.com/
http://www.likerealusa.com/
http://www.hg-prosthetics.com/

Mango products is another option, but I strongly suggest against it. People have been complaining about not receiving their paid orders and don't hear back from customer service.

So there are some different options for you to check out. Let me know if you know any other sites or if one of these sites is no good. And I have been getting quite a few page views, thanks guys! Give me any feedback and I hope I have been helping you! Have a great day :D

Some VIdeos

I have found a couple videos that I would like you to watch. They are FTM videos. I found them inspirational/beautiful and I hope you will too.

http://youtu.be/2xpf2aYbyWk


http://youtu.be/UHIhf7u6E00


And this video has good tips:

http://youtu.be/6HgkX--VZaQ

Surgery Types

I will be discussing a few different types of surgery and will probably add more information later.

There are three general types of surgeries:
1. Chest reconstruction surgery (sometimes called top surgery or male chest contouring)
2. Hysterectomy and oophorectomy (removing the uterus and ovaries)
3. Genital reconstruction surgery (sometimes called bottom surgery)

Within the Chest reconstruction surgery group, there are two subgroups:
1. Double incision/Bilateral mastectomy
2. Keyhole/Peri-areolar incision

Double incision/Bilateral mastectomy:

• usually used for guys with larger chests (usually B or higher)
• two incisions are made across the breasts, right below the nipples
• the skin is peeled back and the fatty tissue is removed, using a scalpel
• the skin is then trimmed and put back over the chest

Pros:

- best method for guys with large chests
- muscle growth and hair growth can help hide scars
- resizing and placement of the nipples make the chest more masculine looking

Cons:

- huge scars
- little or no nipple sensation
- may require revision
- areas of numbness
- appearance of puckering along the scars

Keyhole/Peri-areolar:

• effective for individuals with small chests (cup A or smaller is preferred, but a lot of surgeons will do size B)
• incisions are made around the areola
• fatty tissue is "scooped" out
• areola might be sized down
• skin is pulled taut toward the incision
• the incision is closed

Pros:

- minimal scarring
- sensation in the nipples

Cons:

- nipple placement might not be ideal
- possibility of sagging skin
- chest may not appear completely flat
- may need revision
- risk of nipple loss

Genital reconstruction surgery:
1. Metoidioplasty
2. Centurion
3. Phalloplasty

Metoidioplasty:

• clitoris grows because of testosterone
• the ligament holding the clitoris is cut, bringing the clitoris forward
• it will look like a small penis
• scrotal implants may be available

Pros:

- unassisted erection when aroused
- natural looking
- no visible scars

Cons:

- too small for penetration
- sometimes the clitoris doesn't get big enough by using testosterone


Centurion:

• round ligaments are freed from the labia majora and brought together along the shaft of the clitoris
• it provides girth
• the extraction of the round ligaments leaves a pocket
• silicone scrotal implants are placed into the pocket
• a urethral extension is made by using a catheter, which will be removed when it is healed

Pros:

- natural looking
- erotically sensate penis
- unassisted erection
- no visible scars

Cons:

- too small for penetration
- sometimes clitoris doesn't get big enough by using testosterone

Phalloplasty:

• many different types
• Gillies: flap of abdominal skin is rolled into a tube to create a penis
• Suitcase handle: improvement on the Gillies, flap is attached to the abdomin for a few weeks for proper blood supply and then released to hang down
• Free tissue flap transfer: more recent and improved; a flap of skin is removed, nerves and blood vessels in tact, and transferred to the groin area
• MLD flap: skin is taken from the torso, under the arm; considered to produce the most realistic looking penis; more erotically sensate
• scrotoplasty: paired with the phalloplasty; labia majora hollowed out and silicone implants are inserted to create a scrotum

Pros:

- average-sized penis
- realistic looking
- can urinate through
- can engage in penetrative sex

Cons:

- multiple surgical visits
- may need revisions
- expensive
- scarring
- pain
- long time for recovery

Personally, I am planning to get peri-areolar chest surgery and the MLD phalloplasty. The chest surgery will leave little scarring and that's what I want (also I have a small chest). The MLD is the best bottom surgery available. The pros outweigh the cons for me.

Even though I told you what I want for myself, only you can decide what's best for you. Even if you choose not to have any surgery, you will always be a man. Think very seriously about all your options before you make the choice. Surgery is serious and can not be undone.

Passing Tips

Now I probably won't be able to hit them all today, but I want to get a good start. As I think of/remember more, I will edit this and add them. I want to give you a few just to get you started.


1. Pants: Buying mens pants can be very difficult if you have curves. They weren't made for ftms, they were made for biological men. Straight leg jeans are probably the best way to go. They hide your curves. Avoiding skinny jeans is a good idea, however, they are all I wear. If you don't have intense curves and love skinny jeans, wear them, but use caution. Skinnies aren't the most masculine thing ever. Also, If you want to wear skinnies and have a little curve, underworks make compression shorts. They shape your butt and thighs to make you look manlier. I am thinking about ordering some. They only cost 25 dollars plus shipping. Cargo shorts also hide curves, I highly reccomend wearing them.
Link to compression shorts: http://ftm.underworks.com/


2. Shirts: Shirts can be more difficult to get than you think. Men's t-shirts are a good option because they have straight sides. They are pretty good at hiding curves. Men's button ups are also really great. I find that they tend to work best for me. V-necks are not particularly good for ftms. They show your chest a bit, which isn't something you really want to show off (unless you are post op). I wear some v-necks, but not often. Use extreme caution when wearing v-necks!


3. Shoes: You want shoes that don't show how small your feet are. Men have larger feet than us, sad fact. I wear skate shoes that are padded for skating. They make your feet look bigger. Osiris shoes, you know those giant obnoxious ones, are great at hiding feet size. I have a pair. Try to get your shoes a half size to a size bigger than what you wear.

4. Accessories: Gotta be extra careful here. Bracelets/arm bands might look cool to you, but they shorten your arms. Men have longer arms so don't make yours look even shorter. Necklaces are probably just better to avoid. If you wear glasses, get ones with thicker rims, that are square/rectangular and dark. Those kind of glasses are very masculine.


5. The Big C: This is probably the most important of all the rules for passing. Without this, no one will see you as male and respect you. Confidence. I understand that this is probably the most difficult to have. I know that you aren't happy with your body, but things could be worse. Men, in general, have a great deal of confidence. You should too. You're a man too, act like one. Usually transmen make the most attractive men anyway ;)


6. Hair: It's kinda hard to do this one. Edgy haircuts are usually the best way to go. I will post some pictures for ideas for you. Your hair should be longish on the sides to cover up where sideburns should grow. Having that area not covered up shows that you don't have any hair growing there. Other than that guideline, your hair is pretty much whatever you like.

7. Facial Hair: The more you shave the "peach fuzz" off your face, the darker it will start coming in. Keep shaving and you should see some shadow in about a month (depending on your body). You won't have a full on beard, but hopefully some shadow.

8. Walking: Sit back sometime and people watch. Notice how a guy's walk is different that a girl's. Guys walk with their feet heavier than girls and let their arms hang down. Girls usually move their arms and guys just let them hang there. Guys carry their weight in their shoulders/upper body. Girls carry it on their hips. If you have a supportive man in your life, ask him to help you practice. Make sure you practice in your home before you go out in public, because, chances are, you will look somewhat silly at first. Practice makes perfect.