I never thought Edna Mode would be teaching me about genital dysphoria

I personally fall into the first category that you mentioned and explained, and I have also found that my _Asexual_ identity also contributes to my lack for dysphoric feeling towards my genitalia!! I have no reason to display my genitalia to any partner therefore I tend to not focus on what is hidden.

I remember having genital dysphoria as a child. I would often tuck my male bits in and I remember feeling so good when I looked at myself in the mirror at myself looking like I have female genitals. As I've commented before on other videos of yours, I repressed my trans feelings for years after that and have only started my social transition but all through those years I have actually grown to love my male genital. It's weird but I am very comfortable with it and like you said, I truly feel that my genitalia does not define my gender 😊

I didn’t experience it till I became sexually active. It was like a switch being flipped. Literally the next day I started doing research on surgery.

Me, a cis man watching this because it was in my recommended: 👁👄👁

When I cracked my egg 6 months ago it wasn't clear to me if I had genital dysphoria or not. I have it but it wasn't my main focus. Case #1 is spot on. I am much more focussed on secondary sex characteristics because it's in my relationship with others that I feel the most discomfort. I want to be socially seen as a woman and look like one. I can hide my genitals, but I can't hide my face. Secondary sex characteristics are a much bigger concern at the moment. I expect the focus to shift once I start looking more feminine but I'm not there yet.

This was very helpful, thank you! As a born female and feeling genderfluid, I don‘t really experience that much dyshoria with the genitalia that I have, it‘s more like something I don‘t really have a connection with. It is something that gives me pleasure and that I clean in the shower, that‘s it. But I can get very dysphoric about what I don‘t have, male genitalia. This is something I wish I had a lot and not having it, missing everything I could do with it, makes me really sad.

I’ve never heard the terms “trans identified men” and “trans identified women” but I really like it! It feels somehow more affirming than simply “trans woman” or trans man

It is very reassuring to hear this! I fit into the third category and never had genital dysphoria as a trans man and heard from a health profrssional that I couldn't be trans because of that (I socially transitioned 6 years ago but never did any surgery or took hormones). So I am really glad this kind of content is being made available to younger audiences which still have to hear so many misconceptions about how they can express their gender identity, if I had seen this video 6 years ago I would have felt much better. Wonderful job and thank you very much!

This is great someone who dosent put people down cause they dont have ever dysphoria

For myself, a pre-transition gay FTM, I cannot at all tolerate anything to do with my chest (COVID-19 is literally the only reason I'm not scheduled for surgery yet). I'm somehow mostly okay with my genitals, but think I also would've been happy if I'd been born with male genitals instead. If my partner treats me as male, I'm usually able to ignore the gender association.

Thanks for making this video! I'm FtM and predominately experience chest dysphoria, but have never really felt bottom dysphoria, and I've always wondered why that was. I feel I relate more with the third category, as I don't really associated genitals with any particular gender. I see people just as people, and view them as whatever gender they identify as. I can also relate a little with the second category too, because when I was first seriously questioning my gender identity and was in a really emotionally vulnerable place, I was in my first relationship with someone who happened to be an enby - so they really understood how I was feeling and was really supportive. I felt like I was finally viewed as the person I was, rather than the gender I was assigned as. I think that definitely helped me feel more comfortable in my body, and made me realise that there are people out there that will love me for just me, which was something that I was worried about before that relationship. Of course that's just my experience, but it was really good to learn about some other experiences, and know it's not just me!

This video was very interesting! I am non-binary. I have had dysphoria around my AFAB parts ever since I was around four years old. I knew something was wrong when my brother was born and he wasn't the same as me-- I was supposed to have what my brother had. From then I would pretend that I had male parts and exist very annoyed with my own anatomy. Somehow for almost all of middle school and high school it was buried by my brain... And since I started my twenties it has slowly crept back in like a zombie and now it is here and it is alive and extremely distressing very often... My chest, however, does not bother me at all and in fact it feels very correct as well as my other secondary sex characteristics, but I do feel animosity toward my internal female organs. If I had male secondary sex characteristics it would feel very wrong... its just the male primary sex organs that are supposed to be there... It consistently is extremely upsetting and I break down and cry often at jokes and references made about genitalia, so I'm trying to censor things around me to minimize exposure...

Yes! I thought I didn't have genital dysphoria before I had top surgery, but as soon as I got that “off my chest”, it became very clear that I do very much struggle with genital dysphoria. Great topic, Dr. Z! Thank you.

Mental health is one of the most complex issues we face. I love that your out here giving helpful advice. I do have some genitalia dysphoria, most of it is like you said, hyper focused on the outside. Hair for me....lack their of on top and the hair I'm in pressed to remove..bottom surgery is absolutely scary for me. So many ways things can get messed up and future complications in turn destroys in my mind the whole process. I'm sure I'm not only one on that? Thank you for all your hard work. Look forward to your next video.

I've never had dysphoria around my genitals, though I've been curious (very curious) what it would feel like to have sex as a woman or to not have all this flesh hanging off of my body. I love my genitals as they are though. It could be because I am genderfluid and sometimes really feel good as a man, but it could also be that I just enjoy the pleasure it gives me.

Beautiful! Gay man here; I'm lucky to have been born cisgender though. So much even I've taken for granted.

Yeah. No genital dysphoria. But I've indicated that I'm open to the idea of bottom surgery and I'm supposed to meet with a surgeon to discuss the possibility next time I meet with my therapist. Hopefully I'll be starting HRT by then as well. That aside, gender dysphoria is so weird. Sometimes it feels like it's punching you in the gut and then nothing for days. That's when the doubts start creeping in. 🙄

Reading the comments, I realize I'm very lucky that I don't have any genital dysphoria. I'm not a sex worker, but I relate to the last categories. I've been in a long term relationship way before transitioning and I see my genitals as nothing other than a functional body part that is able to provide pleasure.

This video is amazing, I'm glad someone is talking about something so important and not talked about enough!

I absolutely love this video! You explanations are so approachable and informative. The way in which you talk is so approachable and makes me feel so much more at ease thinking about my own transition and how I process my dysphoria and related anxiety.

Had me nervous when you described dormancy, but when you got to SW, I sighed in relief.

Thank you so much for making these videos and publishing them somewhere so accessible! This video has been so very helpful.

i personally don’t feel any genital dysphoria, at the moment anyway. who knows it could change throughout my transition also, thank you for your videos they help so much! your amazing❤️

Very enlightening, love your videos Dr.Z!

Thank you Dr. Z this is a very good and informative video. I have had a lot of questions on genitalia and transitioning this really a lot of good information

Your channel is truly exceptional..thank you for sharing, educating, and providing place. Deep appreciative 💕

Hello there doc ! As always I'm just here again to appreciate ur great work and to gain some knowledge abt things and thank you ! For doing what none else is doing ! Thank you !

This is sooooo helpful and in general your videos practicality and compassion and openness and expertise has been very helpful. thank you for sharing this so accessibly!

hello and thank you, very helpful and informative video! I've identified straight away with he dormant category... I was never overly concerned with bottom surgery but 11 years into my transition I find myself wanting total freedom, both emotionally and physically and I feel I am coming to terms with the fact that bottom surgery could be the gateway to a freer life.

I have to say that I'm experiencing ups and downs in how intensely I feel dysphoric. I'm a trans man and as you said, not being in a relationship I never really had a cause to experience genital dysphoria. Not until one day I had a particularly vivid dream where in the dream I was fully in a male body. It felt so real and I felt so whole that I cried when I woke up it was realised it was not reality. Since then I feel this sensation of loss and anxiety more than before and even though I try to phase it out of my mind (with varying success) it's still there constantly. I have never considered bottom surgery before that experience, but I have been more and more since then.

This answers a lot of questions. Also, the comments are beautiful!

Thank you so much for this video. It is spot-on in terms of the experience I had. At the beginning of my gender transition, I wasn't at all concerned about lower surgery. Then, after top surgery, my feelings about my genitals changed and I seemed to suddenly develop genital dysphoria. Because it was seemingly so sudden, I really doubted myself at first, but I began to understand that the genital dysphoria had likely always been there, I was just focused on more crucial things to change, and once those things, eg hormones, and top surgery, were done, there plain to see was my lower dysphoria. I like how you describe this as the 'dormancy effect' and it makes complete sense. I also think my lack of genital dysphoria was due to the fear I felt about lower surgery. There was so much negativity about it when I started my journey. I didn't think successful lower surgery was possible, so I think I pushed any genital dysphoria away. This video is so helpful for other trans folks who find their feelings change through transition, and it is so helpful for me to see this as it validates my experience. Thank you for making this! I've only just discovered your channel and I am loving your content and nodding along! I recently made a video about this myself, which might be interesting for folks wanting to see this experience from the perspective of a trans man. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sL9dhaqVs6ysn40.html

I like you Dr. Z! You truly seem to understand all the subtle nuances of gender 'confusion'. Thanks so much for all your insightful content!

Interesting...that was my experience. I didn’t have genital Dysphoria till I began living 100% full-time female. Only then did I begin to think about having SRS. I had surgery thee months ago and it was magical for me. I love my new vagina. I am insanely happy with my new lady parts. I never imagined that I would ever get this far with my transition.

Hi Dr Z, I tired to look for a previous comment from me on this video but didn't find it. Historically I've had some indifference to getting GCS, feeling that the only people it should matter to is me and my significant other. Lately though, I find myself aspiring to look feminine in ALL ways, including the area between my legs. To be able to wear clothes without a concern for hiding under clothes what doesn't match my gender. I somehow see it as "reaching for the gold ring" to be undisputed as a woman in all ways and form, as if the way I am now has not reached that goal. This video does feel a part of what I am now going through. Thank you Dr Z for ALL YOU DO! Hugs! Christie 🙂

Thank you so much Dr. Z. I personally fall in the 3rd category. Although I have dated transgender women that are very dysphoric about their genitals. This can cause issues when it comes to being intimate with them. Me being the communicative type of woman we always seem to work through it. Thank you again for all of your fabulous words.

Im not experiencing it much at the moment. For the exact reasons you stated here... my girlfriend loves me the way I am and I'm still focussing on other things. I think that my focus will probably shift to my genitals in a few years, once I've had top surgery. Good and helpful video as always, dr Z!

thank you so much :) this video helped a lot. ive been confused latley about my gender wondering if im trans ftm or not. all ive been hearing is trans people having bottom dysphoria and ive been doubting myself saying that im probably not just because i dont have much bottom dysphoria. like i’d be fine with either genital, i dont really care. so this video made me feel much better. ❤️

Dr. Z, this post went in a different direction than I expected. I thought it would be about the difference between gender dysphoria and age dysphoria, both of which I have experienced. Being a stealth transgender woman since the 1970s both came together when I had facial surgery about three years ago, FFS on my brow and facelift on my neck, the latter of which was of more concern to me at the time. In many ways I feel more confident now that I went through this experience and the renewing of HRT after being off it for more than 20 years. (Continued)

I am MtF and have preferred to have a vagina for a long time. My genital dysphoria has grown as I have socially, medically and legally transitioned. Great video!

Thank you so much for your videos, they are so helpful and I have learned so much bout myself. I can definitely identify with your first description - at the moment my focus i significantly on changing those external features to be more feminine. I dream of having wider hips, breasts and more a feminine face. Thank you so much Dr Z, you are helping so many people

I found this very helpful thank you, i currently have dysphoria about my face & lack of breast growth, very little dysphoria about my genitals atm, hope to getting an orchiectomy in NZ in the near future & facial feminization surgery and breast augmentation surgery in Thailand next year

Thanks for this video! I have been struggling a lot with chest and hip dysphoria but haven't really had much bottom dysphoria. I was really questioning what that means. Not sure why it is yet but its validating to know its not just me.

Thank you for another wonderful video. Personally I feel it occasionally, maybe a few times a week, but in the grand scheme it's the least of my worries

I don't experience genital dysphoria and at first this was one of the things I used to tell myself that I wasn't /really/ trans. It took a lot to get beyond that, and I'm still struggling with it a bit, but I did work in the sex trade for a while and it may be that I'm viewing my genitals more as a sexual organ than one associated with my gender. I may also fall victim to dormant genital dysphoria. Only time will tell.

I think I fit in the first category. Thank you for your videos :)

This was very validating, thank you

This has been UNBELIEVEABLY helpful. My chest dysphoria was so intense and completely different to how I feel about my genitals. For so long I've just conditioned myself to "ignore" them i.e. not look at them in the mirror or let anyone else see them etc. I know they're wrong but there's no emotion behind how I feel if that makes sense? Like there's no deep longing to have a penis, like it was for me to have a flat chest. Having said that, especially recently as I've developed a lot more body hair and got a bit bulkier, I do feel a bit more dysphoria when I'm out and about, like I'm "naked" and there should be a bulge there. I'm still on the list to get referred etc. for surgery but it'll take ages anyway as I've already pushed it back a year to think about it. But it is very easy for me to slip into the habit of thinking that my dysphoria isn't "valid" enough to warrant such a major surgery. At least I'll be able to mull it over for the next couple of years as there's no pressure at the moment.

This is so true. Even though I always intended to have genital surgery, I wasn't bothered by my genitals, but as I progress in my transition, I want bottom surgery more and more.

Hello Dr. Z I find this video very explanatory, it is important to do that recognition of the genitals of trans people, many times it is difficult to erase the limits between gender and sex through the genitals, thanks for this explanation focused on this topic Sending love 💕

Hi! Your videos are really helping me and my boyfriend, we love you thank you so much!

Body and facial hair was the only source of dysphoria I had ever noticed. Then I had full body and facial laser and started electrolysis on the greying hairs. It felt wonderful to not see all that hair. But then I started to notice how my genitals now felt uncomfortable for me. Thank you for explaining why that was. That was basically what I thought was happening. The hair was such a large issue for my that the rest of the signals got lost in the noise.

I’m always watching your videos late 🙁 it took me awhile to find this channel, Dr Z o really think what your doing is amazing please keep it up ❤️ your so informative and interesting and I think it’s really helpful (I’m trans feminine girl btw, post op post transition because I’m in a weird situation right now but hopefully soon I can do stuff since I’ve known for so long)

thias video helped me a lot, thank you

I’m early in transition (1 year, slow mover) but your description of the *dormant* first category seems to fit my case perfectly. Hair, facial appearance, hiding facial hair, smoothness all over and increasing dislike for my voice. These are the things I focus on along with how to come out and be me while doing as little damage to relationships with friends and family. I’d be lying if I said it was never sexual but as I approach 60 it’s less sexual and just an overall spirit of well being that comes across me when I’m free to be Monique. M xx 💋

OMG...thank you...I have wondered this for soo long, because all my trans sisters all talk about Dysphoria about their genitals, and i never understood why I didn't have the same feelings and it made me question if i was even trans... THANK YOU!!!!!!

This was really helpful. Thank you so much! Btw I love your accent !

thanks dr z, very cool!

Thank you! This video helped me so much because I was wondering Why my case was different . Everything was very dormant. my main gender dysphoria was every time I looked in the mirror and when I was out in the public for many years . Throughout the years Never thought of body dysphoria unless I saw my testicles . And occasionally wishing I had female parts instead , The main focus was my face . Once I played with make up and wigs my dysphoria shifted to my chest. . I relate to some of the categories because I’ve grown to just see my male parts as a pleasure organ like you said that’s why I’m ok with keeping it now . Though the wishing and wanting is still there . Having a partner that likes what i have helps with the dysphoria and actually helped me cope with my reflection all this time . After experimenting with my female look I no longer talk to people who who want me as a man I never wanted to be , Now my main dysphoria is getting rid of testosterone And starting hrt . but I admitt . I’m all up for it so certain of starting then I get scared of breast cancer as my mom is a survivor . That’s what puts me in a halt every time I want to take the next step . 🥺

I had ONLY genital dysphoria. I had bottom surgery but that's all. I happen to be intersex. I actually need top surgery as well, because I have breast tissue that doesn't align with my male presentation. Ever since I was 11 years old I've basically wanted to be an intact transman, but I was labeled male because doctors in 1982 didn't recognize the signs of mild androgen insensitivity. Bottom surgery was fantastic and I'm extremely happy now.

Thank you for the video. I’ve watched many on here and your advice and expertise is number one. I’m a category 2. Type 2. I love my genitals. I love using them. Just don’t love some other parts of my body.

Rarely look at mine, but totally comfortable in my skin. Now 16 yrs after formal reassigment and totally happy as i am. This Dr on the button. Top explanations and advice. Bottom surgery never a priority as its not needed to live my life as a Trans fem.

As a gender confused sex worker, thank you! I feel so seen and understood!💖

I recently came out and didn't feel any genital dysphoria until recently. I don't feel attractive at all and my partner has lost sexual attraction to me as well due to my starting transition and my new found discomfort with my genitals. Thanks your videos always help me think things out.

To me as a 21 y/o trans woman that’s been medically transitioning for 2 years, I‘ve never felt super connected to my genitalia, and in sexual contexts, there is also a feeling of disconnect but also discomfort, now recently I‘m thinking more about the idea of getting srs, because the idea of having a vagina seems more comfortable than what I have now, I don’t hate what I have now, but I feel more or less uncomfortable with it sometimes and always not very connected, I relate to the first type you described. Thank you for the video ❤️

Just a few days ago I felt okay with body and it made me think Im not trans. But I only felt that way for a day. Its confusing me, so thank you for this video! And what you said about seeing my genitals as just a sexual organ makes so much sense to me in terms of why I don't always have dysphoria about them.

Thank you for the explanations!! I'm nonbinary and trans and would've really needed the "plan for potential dysphoria" five years or so ago, because my dysphoria gives me so much stress that I get a fever and can't breathe properly every time I think of it. I just got my first binder and it helps a bit but my partner and a lot of other people tend to "see past my gender" to be able to relate to me easier and place me in the woman box however much I struggle to get out of it. I'm definitely in the dormancy category. I have to fight to not repress and punish feelings of dysphoria and attempts at solving things. Then again being too aware is really painful.

prior to witnessing this video, i feel my gender dysphoria is the main trigger for me.. my gender expressions okay, as a teen i undermined it, that i think about it now, i am bittersweet glad because you just can't fake it & i just never agreed with my assigned sex. Oow. Go Dr. Z

I don't think I experience genital dysphoria, but I have to say... one of the scariest parts after finally accepting myself, and coming out to people close to me is the realization of all these repressed feelings/memories, and the notion that I may not be able to trust what I'm telling myself that I'm feeling about something at any given moment. Why didn't anybody ever tell me emotions were difficult before I decided to start dealing with them? Lmao.

So right now I am perfectly fine with my genitals but I know that it can change for people when they start HRT or like you explained when they alleviate certain other aspects of dysphoria. What I am getting from the last part of the video is that you shouldnt put yourself into a category and just accept it without question. So I think youre saying that you have the power to change the way you are looking at/feeling about your genitals as to alleviate dysphoria. Would you say thats true and if so can you explain a little (maybe in another video) how one should go about that? Very informative channel

Really interesting. I'm afab and just beginning medical transition Wednesday with Testosterone. I'm not as focused anymore on passing socially, and the dysphoria actually calmed down because of that. It's still there but not exaggerated because I'm not focused on it. I know I want top surgery, though I'm not sure when. I don't want bottom surgery unless the results are very good and it's not there yet by my standards. I do want a prosthetic though, and get dysphoric most about having to sit down to pee, of all things. I've tried stp packers and could not get that to work for me. I do like having something there, it feels more comfortable. Usually I can forget something is off though, and like you mentioned my focus is more on the results from testosterone. I've been stalled on my medical transition for 7 years now, so I had to really come to terms with this being the body I'm living in, and that helped a lot with the dysphoria. It's less a "female" body and more just mine. Also have been really getting in shape and that helps too.

Hey! So... I'm relevant to this conversation. So, I'm bigender. I do feel incongruent on all aspects of my body except for the genitals. I have taken hormones for a couple years now and will be getting FFS. I've given this a TON of thought and have been expressing my gender for 10 years now in total. I have my struggles because it's very hard to balance a duality in this society and feel legitimate in my body while I do so. I am very much a, "What people see is more important." Person. That was spot on. I've put a tremendous amount of effort and work towards the goal of not only passing as either gender, (which I can and do) but now that I have that, making it as easy to do as possible. I wanted to physically transition so that I could reach a point that made me feel physically legitimate to claim a presentation in both sides of the gender spectrum (Not the middle) instead of one side being the "Real" or "True" side and the other then struggling being fake. That is where my dysphoria lies, me feeling comfortable in presenting my duality. For most people, they have a "feminine" or "Masculine" side.. for me that side of me is a complete expression of gender. I felt gender dysphoric - to the point of crying myself to sleep - until I embraced my transgender identity. And I thought that I would end up just transitioning and having that "Dormant" dysphoria you spoke of but... No. Even if I fully transitioned, I would still be bigender and feel the need to express my duality. My Duality being a conscious choice that best fits the range of my gender identity, which is either Pangender or Agender... not sure which. That being said... how that has effected my relationship with my genitals... I couldn't care less what they are, FOR ME... specifically. I could have a penis, vagina, intersex... I don't care. What's between my legs doesn't determine who I am or what my gender is and how I express that and relate to the world. I do also fit into the second option because I have a partner that accepts me so I'm perfectly fine keeping it the way it is because it works for us. My sexuality is open and I don't see a problem with the bits aligning or Not aligning with outward appearance. I don't walk around while exposed so I dont care. I would love to have the experience of the opposite genitals... but not because I have any problem with the ones I have. Nothing was wrong with the body I had - accept it wasn't the other sex - and I have always felt like half the human experience I was cut off from because of that... the desire to experience and have the opposite sex body has been so pervasive and strong that I could not ignore it - and I tried... lots of ingrained transphobia had me keeping it a secret for so long that I finally had to do something even though I "Knew" it was social suicide. (Spoiler: It wasn't, haven't lost One friend from it.) I have always viewed my exact experience in being trans as being so far left field - I cant even be trans typically... it makes it impossible to relate to people as I have never in my life met someone who identifies and expresses themselves as I do. But hey, your video does give me hope that people who feel the need to transition their body but don't feel gender dysphoria aren't lying to themselves... so thank you for that.

Totally agreed Dr Z. I'm 45 and I've started late with transition so things have moved fairly quickly for me and I experience genital dysphoria.

Wow, another great video that is right on by Dr. Z. I fall into categories 1 and 2. I expect as my transition continues the dormancy Dr. Z describes will become less potent for me, i.e., I will have more genital dysphoria. I would add a separate sub-category for category 2. I would call it age related genital acceptance. I do have a long term satisfying relationship, but not a lot of sexual contact which may or may not be a function of my age. It is very loving and caring and that is most important. I have started transitioning that includes HRT at a much older age, 68. As such, I have a lot of ambivalence about surgeries. It seems if I invest time in them, I lose precious time to focus on other parts of my transition. Added to this is my concern my partner may not find surgeries I could undertake as acceptable. Also, on some level when I think of altering my genitals I have a sense that I may be losing something that is a fundamental part of me. Kind of like having to say good-bye to an old friend. Nevertheless, I very much appreciate that my gender dysphoria will probably become more focused on my genitals as I get further along in my transition.

This is always a complex issue, and I know I am not much difference in this area. I definitely feel like I fit into category one. My first priority was HRT, hair removal and voice training. These are the outward presenting signs when out and about in general life. The further I have gone with my transition, I the more dysphoria I feel with other areas. I haven't decided if FFS is something I want, I don't feel I 100% need it (I've never had a visible adams apple, my features are neutral and so my main dysphoria is my brow bone). I struggle to decide if my want for it is cosmetic or dysphoria related. I'm not sure I can or will ever detangle that mess. One thing I never had, was chest/breast dysphoria. I never stopped dating/relationships and I feel this has caused it to slowly begin creeping up on me, especially since I am in that odd mid transition phase with breast growth. If I wasn't still developing (and therefore simply cannot do anything) top surgery would be my highest priority. In regards to the main topic on genitalia, I have had very low level dysphoria my entire life, I suppose the best way to describe it is apathy. It always affected sexual activity with a partner, never when I was alone, seeing it, others seeing it etcetera. This was something I experienced way before I understood what dysphoria was. At the beginning of my transition I was confident that I had no genital dysphoria or it was at such a low level it would never require me to want/need bottom surgery. Now, I recognise I have some dysphoria with it, because I do not want to use it as a sexual organ. At this point however, I do not want SRS but I have already been considering that this may change at some point in the future, especially after hearing more and more other binary transpeople's experiences.

For me it's really weird..its anytime I actually see down there. Like when I use the restroom my mind is like "omg where did it go???" 😂😂 and then it's like "oh yeah..😔" that's the best way I can explain 😂😂

Very useful information, thank you so much for clarifying a few things)) I fall into the 3rd category I think.. Never felt dysphoric about my genitals, but on the other side I want to be seen completely as a woman and therefore feel sometimes extremely dyshopiric about my face, chest, voice etc.. I have transitioned socially and legally already and am about to start my HRT in a few weeks time, which feels like a huge relief except for one thing.. I am worried how it can effect on my sexual life, cause I am not only ok with having my gadget, but I also wan't to use it to a degree or at least not become completetly asexual, cause sex can become problematic, painful or just bland with no feeling and etc.. Therefore I still have some doubts if HRT is the right choice for me.. Would be really happy to hear anybody's opinions or experiences in that matter😊

Thank you Dr. Z!

thank you for this! i was really doubting whether i’m actually trans because i don’t have much genital dysphoria atm 😅. i haven’t transitioned yet (besides cutting my hair) so rn i have intense dysphoria in my voice, height, butt, thighs, eyebrows, face, hands, and just being referred to/seen as a girl (social dysphoria).

Goodmorning. I would like to ask you what could be the motivation in a contrary case, in which at the beginning of the transition there is genital dysphoria while as the years go by and after physical changes due to hormonal therapy and other operations, such as mastectomy and hysterectomy, the genital dysphoria diminishes or goes by.

I fit pretty perfectly into the second category- I have been married to my husband for 25 years and he fully supports me. Bottom dysphoria isn't really a problem for me most of the time. Only every now and then I feel a bit ... incomplete , but it usually goes away again.

Hi, defiiitely third group here. So i was taking estrogen for a year and i had to stop because the effects on the sexual function of my genitals were making me unhappy. I wanted to go back to the way things were & that has happened pretty successfully. However, I didn't get the breast growth I was hoping for & I'm not happy with that either. I don't want to undergo surgery but I do have inadequacy issues surrounding my chest. Not really sure where I go from here.

Thank you for sharing this. As a sci-fi/fantasy nerd who can imagine people with a wide range of anatomical combinations and who has roleplayed characters who are female but have "male genitalia," I find all sorts of presentations conceivable and acceptable for a person's authenticity. But I've also worried that I might be confusing my own identity with that of my characters because I didn't have the genital dysphoria yet would feel most comfortable living as a woman (I'm AMAB). As someone who is married and believes the various blends of anatomy should be acceptable, I can see I likely fall into the first and third subcategories of the second category. That helps me feel a little more valid in exploring whether my trans identity is legitimate. Will there be dormant dysphoria? Who knows, but at least I feel a little better about moving forward with discovering myself.

Hi Dr Z. You may have covered this off before (if so, can you please point me towards the relevant video), but if not, could you please explain the pros, cons, and risks of going on HRT and having surgeries for older trans people (50 plus). Appreciate you are not a medical professional but from your knowledge and experience - what are the medical risks and what steps should be taken to understand and mitigate those. Love, Jess X

Dr. Z, yesterday my dysphorias took an unexpected but happy turn. I went to see a friend perform at a local restaurant. We last saw each other less than two years ago. He is a few years older, I am stealth and we first met when he acted in a musical I wrote. I was off HRT for more than 20 years until about four years ago but I got by for 40 years. I saw him before his show yesterday and called out to him and he didn’t recognize me at first until I got closer and identified myself. Being blunt and 79 he blurted out that I looked so much more feminine and obviously lost weight. Actually, I had gained weight but it has been redistributed somewhat, not enough for me in the mirror but…Anyway, I passed all those years and he thought I looked a little masculine. I never got that feeling from anyone. I don’t know how to feel. I’m glad I look feminine now but I am bothered that I didn’t pass as well as I thought before. Does that make sense?

I can’t even fathom cutting mine off, we are simply old friends and I came to terms along time ago with it. The most important aspect to me, transitioning of the mind, I am 38 and came to a mutual arrival of mind body and spirit, and nearly instantly my physical aspect changed I lost 50 lbs and look 10 years younger and feel it. Starting hrt sooon.

This is a complicated one for me. I'm ftm and I'm currently waiting for my testosterone to be ordered in by gp pharmacist so should be starting in the next few weeks 🤞. I don't necessarily have genital dysphoria the majority of the time. However I'm also not in a sexual relationship and I know deep down the only way I could be happy in a sexual relationship is after bottom surgery. I don't exactly hate my current genitals but I'm also not attached to them either. I sort of just don't really care what's down there as long as I'm not in a sexual relationship. Interestingly though the first time I wore a packer I did feel a sense of euphoria. So this indicates that there must be some level of dysphoria there but I guess like the first category mentioned on this video it's not currently my main focus. If I was in a relationship or planning to get into a relationship anytime soon I think I would feel more dysphoria but it would be sexual activity dysphoria rather than internal dysphoria around how it looks or how I personally feel about it when not engaging in sexual activities.

this is so well explained

As for me, many aspects of my body dysphoria manifested after I started socially transitioning. I haven't taken any medical steps yet but in the last few months I realized a feeling of slight genital dysphoria. It's mostly a feeling around wanting to have the feeling of having something between my legs (my packer arrived today and I really hope it helps). The point is that I cannot really tell where it stems from. First of all, because I am non-binary and find myself pretty much in the middle of male and female (with slight fluctuations to both sides of the spectrum), second, because I am asexual (like, that kind of asexual who never ever wants to have sex with anyone in any situation, no matter how close I am to a certain person), so actually I "do not really need my genitals", so why do I still have dysphoria around them? It sometimes leaves me questioning if my dysphoria can even be real if there's no proper explanation to it.

nice and informative doctor!

Thanks for the video! I saw your description says you work with adults only - is there a reason for that? I'm guessing that working with trans youth would almost be an entirely different field since there are different things to consider with youth compared to adults. Do you have a professional opinion on youth transitioning?

Great video you are beautiful 😻 and I appreciate that you give the time of day

Excellent video extremely helpful. Thank you very much😁 First category is the most common yes... If you are not a long relationship or very active sexually you are ok with the secondary changes.... But after the problem starts focusing there... Please, if you can... My psychiatrist tries to persuade me that it's not biological but due to social conditions that I feel trans.... We disagred strongly but he keeps insisting... What is you opinion.... Personally I feel woman 100% I just know it without questioning myself...

Over time you really do end up playing a part in a play. The only time I feel that I can smile sincerely is after a proper tucking. The effect looks much better to me. I'm not sure if it's related but I haven't felt comfortable not wearing some kind of top since I was a child. I feel very self-conscious if I'm not wearing a top of some kind even in private.

This is me.. i love u Dr a!!!

I’m curious to learn more about social dysphoria or dysphoria that doesn’t necessarily revolve around your body, I’m trying to determine whether I’m non-binary or just a “feminine man” but I’m not sure if what gender discomfort I have is the product of dysphoria or if its just me wanting to align with a potential new identity that I may be happier with. People talk a lot about physical dysphoria, I think because most transgender people have it, but aside from being hairy or having a masculine face, I don’t really mind the rest of my body parts. How do you really tell whether it’s dysphoria in this case?

Any updates upon researching/discussing about VFS (Voice Feminization Surgery)?

I fall into category 1 .i think one reson is i am asexual. The thing is i never never look or see anything below my bellybutton . Sometimes a most terrible feeling can come over me if that part of my body comes to mind ,but i can quickly block that taught . My main concern is my face and voice these parts of my body cause me most pain. Your program is very informative.

I am at the verge of discovering whether I am trans or not. I would never have a bottom surgery as long as my genitals work. So I would put myself into the 3rd category. I don't think I experienced any dysphoria - at least not that I know or I could identify as such. Though I am quite a feminine guy (lack of body hair, weak facial hair, wide hip, narrow shoulders etc.) so there might not be much to be dysphoric about. With my long hair I easily get mistaken für a woman even when I am not crossdressing - though over the last year there is barely a single day where I didn't went to work, shopping etc. dressed like a woman. And I love it! ♥♥♥ I only wished I wasn't flat like a board, but that might change. When I first tried breast forms it immediately felt good and right. Soon I will get a new pair (in a hopefully more comfortable size) and as with my dresses I will get more comfortable wearing them in public.