Sexual Functioning After Erection Prosthesis Placement in Post Phalloplasty Transgender Persons: a Retrospective Cohort
This study aims to explore sexual satisfaction among transgender men and their partners following the placement of erectile prostheses after phalloplasty. While phalloplasty can create a neophallus, the lack of natural erectile tissue often necessitates the use of erectile aids, including internal prostheses. However, these prostheses, originally designed for cisgender men, face challenges when used in transgender patients, such as higher risks of complications, infections, and mechanical failures. Despite these issues, some studies report high patient satisfaction, though partner satisfaction rates are significantly lower. The study will use validated and non-validated questionnaires to assess satisfaction with various types of erectile prostheses, addressing the gap in understanding how these devices impact the sexual and relational functioning of both transgender men and their partners. These questionnaires will be provided to all included patients that are minimum 6 months after placement of an internal erection prosthesis and have a functional erection prosthesis in place
• Patient and partner age ≥ 18 years.
• Transgender or gender non-conforming individuals diagnosed according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria.
• Patients have undergone phalloplasty as a form of genital gender affirming surgery (any type of flap combination or technique is allowed).
• Erection prosthesis placement ≥ 6 months after phalloplasty, performed at the Ghent University Hospital. Any type of prosthesis is allowed.
• Patient has a functional erectile prosthesis at the time of the study. Number of erectile prosthesis is not relevant for inclusion.
• Patient is Dutch, English or French speaking.
• Voluntary signed and written consent by patient and their optional partner.