Genital Reconstruction Surgery
Pelvic Floor Therapy for Genital Reconstruction Surgery
About GRS
Dr. Laura Meihofer provides pre and postoperative pelvic floor physical therapy for patients undergoing genital reconstructive surgery (GRS). No matter your reasoning for GRS, pelvic floor physical therapy is absolutely necessary for recovery and can provide immense benefits in preparation, too!
Why would someone need genital reconstruction?
There are many reasons someone may need GRS. Many individuals may choose to undergo genital reconstruction to find their sense of self and alleviate gender dysphoria. This term refers to the feeling of disconnection between an individual’s gender identity and the sex they are assigned at birth. This feeling can be very intense and is capable of affecting mental health. For many with gender dysphoria, GRS may be a solution.
Dr. Laura Meihofer is welcoming to patients of all gender identities. She advocates for pelvic floor health for all. Therefore, if you are looking for inclusive pelvic floor care during your transition, look no further! You can learn more about Dr. Meihofer in her bio page.
GRS is not limited to transitioning folks. Individuals may also undergo genital reconstruction for medical reasons, such as the following:
- Damage: Disease, infection, or physical trauma can damage genital tissue. In these cases, GRS can help restore both function and appearance.
- Cancer: In some surgical cancer treatments, the removal of reproductive organs or genitals may be necessary. Therefore, GRS may be required to restore function to the genitals.
- Congenital Anomalies: Some individuals are born with abnormalities that affect function of the genitalia. Therefore, these individuals may undergo GRS to correct the tissue and restore function.
Lastly, individuals may undergo genital reconstruction surgery for aesthetic reasons. Body image differs for everyone, and some may choose this surgery to reshape or resize their genitals. No matter your reasoning for choosing GRS, Dr. Laura Meihofer is here to support you!
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Your pelvic floor will play a major role throughout your journey, and it is necessary to work closely with a professional in order to maintain proper function and sensation. Genital reconstruction directly affects the pelvic floor, which controls functions such as urination, bowel movements, and sexual appreciation. To regain these necessary functions, you must engage in pelvic floor physical therapy before and after your surgery.
Beforehand, Dr. Meihofer will help you address any pelvic floor dysfunctions or weakness. Addressing these problems before the surgery will be much easier than afterwards! Additionally, strengthening the pelvic floor and learning how to better coordinate those muscles can allow for a smoother recovery experience. She will help you prepare for movements that will be more difficult after surgery, and can suggest dietary changes that will support your body during recovery.
After your surgery, Dr. Meihofer will focus on rehabilitation. This includes regaining flexibility, coordination, and function of the pelvic floor to allow for bowel movements, urination, and sexual appreciation. She can assist with and teach you scar care, which will be very important during recovery to prevent adhesions, as well as ensure function of pelvic muscles and nerves. Additionally, as healing from surgery will often cause some level of pain, Dr. Meihofer can provide pain management through a variety of treatments.
Postoperative care varies greatly from person to person. Your treatment plan will be curated based on your unique needs and goals for GRS. Dr. Laura Meihofer can help provide education and encouragement during your journey, helping you to be prepared both mentally and physically for your surgery. If needed, she can also recommend helpful tools for genital reconstruction surgery recovery.
Dr. Laura Meihofer is an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance including Medicaid or Medicare. You are responsible for full payment at the time of services. Documentation for out-of-network insurance benefits will be provided upon request.
Choose a Service That’s Best for You!
Pelvic floor therapy for GRS can be provided in multiple ways! Explore Dr. Meihofer’s service options below to find one that best fits your health goals, availability, and needs.
You can choose to get started immediately by booking an in-person or telehealth evaluation, or have your questions answered with a free discovery call!
Conditions Related to GRS
Not seeing your specific condition or symptom here? No worries, Dr. Meihofer has experience with many different pelvic floor conditions! For questions regarding your unique case, you can schedule a free discovery call below to see if pelvic floor therapy is right for you.
