METOIDIOPLASTY Meaning and
Definition
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Metoidioplasty refers to a surgical procedure used for gender-affirming surgery in transgender men or individuals assigned female at birth who desire to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Specifically, metoidioplasty involves the transformation of the clitoris, which has undergone some degree of natural hypertrophy through hormone therapy, into a neopenis.
During the surgery, the surgeon releases the ligaments that hold the clitoris to the pubic bone, allowing the elongated clitoris to extend further. The urethra is generally rerouted to traverse through the neopenis, enabling the individual to urinate standing up if desired. In some cases, additional procedures may be performed to enhance the aesthetics or functionality, such as scrotoplasty (creation of a scrotum) or implantation of testicular prostheses.
Metoidioplasty aims to provide individuals with authentic genitalia that align with their gender identity, allowing for improved self-esteem, body confidence, and alignment with their desired gender presentation. It is important to note that the decision to undergo metoidioplasty is highly personal and should only be made after thorough consultation with qualified healthcare professionals experienced in gender-affirming surgeries.
As with any surgical procedure, metoidioplasty carries certain risks and potential complications, including infection, bleeding, scarring, loss of sensation, or unsatisfactory cosmetic results. It is essential for individuals considering metoidioplasty to have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, its potential outcomes, and the associated recovery process.
Etymology of METOIDIOPLASTY
The word "metoidioplasty" has a Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek roots:
1. "Meta-" (Μετά) meaning "after" or "beyond".
2. "Oidion" (οίδιον) meaning "little" or "small".
The second part of the word, "-plasty", comes from the Greek root "plastos" (πλαστός), which means "molded" or "formed".
When combined, "metoidioplasty" literally means "forming or molding something small or little", which is a fitting description for the surgical procedure that involves reconstruction of the clitoris, usually as part of gender-confirming surgery for transmasculine individuals.
