Life after surgery
After your surgery and recovery, you might have some questions about surgery outcomes, your changed anatomy and your ongoing health care. Or you may simply want to connect with others who have experienced something similar.
Ongoing health care
We recommend having a conversation with your primary care provider A person’s main health care provider in non-emergency situations such as check-ups and referrals. Family doctors, general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are all primary care providers. about your ongoing physical and mental health, preventative activities, screenings and exams that might be recommended for you
If your primary care provider isn't sure how to answer your questions, advise them to call the RACE line (where they can ask questions of a clinician with experience in trans health).
Below we’ve provided a few topics you might want to discuss with your primary care provider.
Mental health
Your mental health is an important part of your life after surgery, just as your physical health is. Undergoing a surgery can bring up several thoughts and feelings that you may want to discuss with a professional. You can discuss mental health with your primary care provider or visit our information on how to find a counsellor.
Sexual health
Speak with your primary care provider about how often you should have STI screening Process of checking for signs of a health issue or medical condition before symptoms appear. . Your primary care provider and surgeon will be able to help you decide what screening options would be best suited to your unique situation.
Consider getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Mpox, HPV and updated COVID boosters, if you haven’t already. You may be eligible to get some or all of these vaccines for free.
Learn about HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) and speak with your primary care provider if you think this might be a good option for you.
Get Checked Online is a free and confidential online tool that helps you get checked for STIs without having to visit a clinic. You can use the code “transcare” to create your account.
Ongoing support
Many people feel the desire to connect with others after their surgery. If you’re looking for ways to meet others, we recommend visiting our Peer Support Directory. There are groups located throughout the province and groups that meet online.
Sex after surgery
Safer sex
It’s possible to get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after uterus and ovary removal. The following recommendations can help reduce the chance of getting an STI.
- Wear a condom during sex and take care to prevent it from falling off (if applicable).
- Ask your partner(s) to wear condoms during receptive sex (including genital and anal sex).
- Ask your partners to have STI screening, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis.
- Avoid having genital sex (or use condoms) if you have genital irritation or inflammation.
- Speak with your primary care provider about how often you would benefit from getting STI screening (this is based on your sexual activities).
- Learn about HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) and speak with your health care provider if you think this might be a good option for you.
- Consider getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Mpox, HPV and updated COVID boosters, if you haven’t already. You may be eligible to get some or all of these vaccines for free.
Demystifying sex drive & sexual response
This interactive video resource explores concepts surrounding sex drive and how gender-affirming care can affect one's experiences of sexual response or desire.
Contact our team of experienced health navigators for information about gender-affirming care in B.C.