Surgery in the UK?

[Brixl2384 (imported)]

I am a MtF who, for a variety of reasons, has gone back to living in a male role. Before reverting, I was lucky enough to undergo bilateral orchidectomy, which I paid for privately.

I'm coping well enough back in male role so far, if being suicidal can be said to be coping, but am finding it increasingly difficult to come to terms with still having a penis. My GP is aware of my situation and has agreed to see what options there are.

What I'd like to know is this: is there any legal way in the UK, whether via the NHS or privately, that I can get the damn thing removed without living and working full time as a woman? I'm not asking about having an artificial vagina created - simply removal of the penis so I can cope better with living in this body.

Sadly, thanks to a small number of busy-bodies, Dr Russell Reid is no longer practising - I'd talk to him about this if he were. Asking to be referred to Charing Cross (and jumping through their hoops) seems likely to be a heart-breaking waste of time.

So, is there any legal way of getting a penectomy, or is that just not done in this country except in cases of cancer, etc.?

[Quillman (imported)]

Sorry I'm afraid the simple answer is no, at least not in the UK

Cheers

Quillman UK

[JesusA (imported)]

An extension to Quillman's answer, though, is to maintain hope. I've been talking to the folk at GIRES (www.gires.org.uk) (The Gender Identity Research and Education Society) about the need to expand transgender categories to include Male-to-Eunuch. They seem interested in pursuing it.

My colleague, Dr. Richard Wassersug, spoke to the gender group at Charing Cross three weeks ago about the reality of Male-to-Eunuch and the need for proper care (including surgery, where warranted). Changes will not be quick, but there does appear to be hope for progress.

[Brixl2384 (imported)]

Sorry I'm afraid the simple answer is no, at least not in the UK

That was the answer I dreaded. But thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

[Brixl2384 (imported)]

An extension to Quillman's answer, though, is to maintain hope.

It's a nice thought, but my experience of psychiatrists in general suggests they aren't the most flexible of thinkers. The only way change is likely to come about is if there is more money in it for them, but free from risk of prosecution.

[Solaris (imported)]

Jesus,

I am very pleased to know that Dr. Richard Wassersug has talked to the Gender Group at Charing Cross Hospital. I hope that they were genuinely encouraged to change the present inflexibility, and were not merely humouring him.

I, too, have endured many years of "care", on and off, at its Gender Clinic, but have always tried to remain patient and optimistic. I am all too familiar with the "Jumping Through Hoops" experience, and there have even been times when I have felt like a defendant in a courtroom, when in the presence of psychiatrists. I feel that I have wasted a lot of time as well as my hopes and dreams, none of which I will ever get back.

I am, however, heartened to feel that, in the course of time, future generations may benefit from the greater depth of understanding, and wider opportunity arising from their care at the Hospital.