An oophorectomy is a removal of one or both ovaries. This procedure is pursued by patients to prevent or treat any medical complications associated with having a uterus; likewise, it can provide a sense of gender congruence to patients who do not wish to have this organ. It is not a requirement to undergo any other kind of bottom surgery procedure. Read more here.

A vaginectomy is a removal of the vaginal canal. This procedure can provide a sense of gender congruence for patients who do not wish to have a vaginal canal. Patients born with vulvas who would like to undergo a urethral lengthening to be able to urinate standing up are required to undergo a vaginectomy to prevent complications. Read more here.

A scrotectomy is the removal of the skin that makes up the scrotal sack. We do not recommend this procedure for patients who are interested in a vaginoplasty because it throws away skin that can be used to construct the vagina and/or vulva. Read more here.

An orchiectomy is the removal of the testicles. This procedure is one of the quickest and easiest to recover from. It is usually required to undergo a vaginoplasty and can be done at least 8 weeks before or during said procedure. Likewise, patients can get an orchiectomy without undergoing a vaginoplasty to simplify their hormonal regimen; removing the testicles allows someone to get off testosterone blockers and take less estrogen, possibly preventing certain health complications. Read more here.

Any surgery that involves the removal of reproductive organs has the potential to effectively be a sterilization procedure. We encourage patients to read about and consider their options around fertility preservation if they are interested in the possibility of having biological children.