{"id":696,"date":"2026-08-20T17:06:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:06:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/glossar\/metoidioplastik\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T17:26:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:26:09","slug":"metoidioplasty","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/glossar\/metoidioplastik\/","title":{"rendered":"Metoidioplasty &amp; Phalloplasty: Options for gender-affirming surgery, recovery &amp; costs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Metoidioplasty<\/strong> (sometimes also referred to as metoidioplasty) is a surgical procedure carried out as part of gender-affirming surgery for transmasculine and non-binary individuals (often transgender men) who wish to masculinise their genitals. The aim of metoidioplasty is to create a neophallus (neopenis) from the enlarged clitoris, which has increased in size as a result of prior hormone therapy (testosterone). One of the key advantages of metoidioplasty is often the preservation of sexual sensitivity and the ability to achieve a spontaneous erection without the need for implants. Metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are the two main options available to patients undergoing transgender surgery to create male genitalia. This article focuses on metoidioplasty, whilst also highlighting the differences between it and phalloplasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#definition-der-metoidioplastik\">Definition of metoidioplasty<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#voraussetzungen-fur-die-metoidioplastik\">Requirements for metoidioplasty<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ergebnisse-der-metoidioplastik\">Results of metoidioplasty<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#metoidioplastik-vs-phalloplastik-direkter-vergleich\">Metoidioplasty vs. phalloplasty: A direct comparison<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#risiken-und-komplikationen-der-metoidioplastik\">Risks and complications of metoidioplasty<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ablauf-vorbereitung-operation-genesung-postoperative-versorgung\">Procedure: Preparation, surgery, recovery and post-operative care<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#zusatzliche-eingriffe-im-kontext-der-geschlechtsumwandlung\">Additional procedures in the context of gender reassignment<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#leben-nach-der-metoidioplastik\">Life after metoidioplasty<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zur-metoidioplastik\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on metoidioplasty<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-boxed has-white-warm-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"definition-der-metoidioplastik\">Definition of metoidioplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metoidioplasty makes use of the growth of the clitoris (clitoral enlargement) achieved through several months of testosterone treatment. The clitoral tissue serves as the basis for the neophallus.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overview of the surgical steps:<\/span>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exposure of the clitoris: The ligaments attaching the clitoris are severed, causing it to stand upright and increase in length. This clitoral tissue is used to form the neophallus.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urethral lengthening (urethraplasty): The urethra is often lengthened and extended to the tip of the neophallus to enable urination whilst standing (standing micturition). This step is optional.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrotal reconstruction (scrotoplasty): A scrotum can be formed from the labia majora. Testicular implants can be inserted at a later stage.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaginectomy: The removal of the vagina may also form part of the procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The details of the surgical procedure may vary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"voraussetzungen-fur-die-metoidioplastik\">Requirements for metoidioplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who have undergone a <strong>undergo metoidioplasty<\/strong> should meet the following requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A preceding period of sufficient duration <strong>Hormone therapy<\/strong> with testosterone.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good general state of health.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psychological support and assessment of suitability, which <strong>Gender identity<\/strong> taken into account.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Realistic expectations. Anyone who opts for the <strong>Deciding on metoidioplasty<\/strong> If you want to do this, you need to understand the limitations of the procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legal age.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ergebnisse-der-metoidioplastik\">Results of metoidioplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Size and appearance:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The neophallus is typically 4 to 7 cm long. The <strong>aesthetic appearance<\/strong> may vary.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Functional aspects:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Urinating whilst standing:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is usually possible following a successful urethral lengthening procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sexual sensitivity:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <strong>The feeling remains<\/strong> generally very good, as the <strong>Preserving the clitoris<\/strong> remains and your nerves are spared. The <strong>sexual function<\/strong> is therefore often a good option.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ability to achieve an erection:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Often possible at short notice; the <strong>Corpus cavernosum<\/strong> of the clitoris contribute to this.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scarring:<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Usually limited.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"metoidioplastik-vs-phalloplastik-direkter-vergleich\">Metoidioplasty vs. phalloplasty: A direct comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Metoidioplasty and phalloplasty are two different surgical options for gender-affirming surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>aspect<\/th><th>Metoidioplasty<\/th><th>Phalloplasty<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Procedure\/Invasiveness<\/td><td>Less invasive, fewer steps<\/td><td>Invasive, often involving a tissue graft (e.g. from the thigh or the pubic bone)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Size of the neophallus<\/td><td>Small (approx. 4\u20137 cm)<\/td><td>A larger penis often makes penetration possible<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sexual sensation<\/td><td>Usually very well preserved (as the clitoris is intact)<\/td><td>May vary; reduced sensation is possible<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ability to achieve an erection<\/td><td>Often on the spur of the moment<\/td><td>A penile prosthesis is usually necessary<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Scarring<\/td><td>Mainly genital<\/td><td>Also at the site of collection (e.g. pubic bone, arm)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Complication rate (general)<\/td><td>Lower, fewer complications<\/td><td>Higher, more complex<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Recovery time<\/td><td>Shorter<\/td><td>Longer<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many patients choose one of the options based on these differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"risiken-und-komplikationen-der-metoidioplastik\">Risks and complications of metoidioplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are general surgical risks (infection, bleeding, haematoma, seroma, impaired wound healing). Specific risks associated with metoidioplasty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Urinary tract infections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urethral complications (fistulae, strictures) associated with urethral lengthening.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome or urinary function.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The need for corrective surgery (further procedures).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ablauf-vorbereitung-operation-genesung-postoperative-versorgung\">Procedure: Preparation, surgery, recovery and post-operative care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list is-style-step-list\">\n<li><strong>Preparation<\/strong> Information sessions, examinations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Day of the operation and hospital stay<\/strong> Recovery begins here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The immediate post-operative period &amp; post-operative care<\/strong> Wound care, catheters, pain management. The healing process requires patience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Long-term recovery and aftercare<\/strong> Follow-up appointments form part of post-operative care. Full recovery takes months.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"zusatzliche-eingriffe-im-kontext-der-geschlechtsumwandlung\">Additional procedures in the context of gender reassignment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As part of a comprehensive gender reassignment, additional procedures may often be desired or necessary, alongside metoidioplasty, in order to further align with one\u2019s gender identity. These frequently include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hysterectomy:<\/strong> Removal of the womb.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Oophorectomy:<\/strong> Removal of the ovaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These operations are separate surgical procedures and are often planned before or at the same time as genital surgery, but are not, in themselves, part of the metoidioplasty. Planning them is an important aspect of the overall reconstructive surgery for transgender men and non-binary people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"leben-nach-der-metoidioplastik\">Life after metoidioplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people who undergo gender-affirming surgery report a reduction in gender dysphoria and an improvement in self-esteem. Transitioning and aligning with one\u2019s gender identity is often an important step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion: An important option involving individual decisions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Metoidioplasty is an established surgical procedure. The advantages of metoidioplasty (e.g. preservation of sensation, fewer complications compared to phalloplasty) make it an attractive option for many transgender men and non-binary people. Comprehensive counselling and the assurance provided by a <a href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/after-care-insurance\/\">Consequential Costs Insurance<\/a> are essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/service-information\/contact\/\">Contact us for a no-obligation enquiry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-zur-metoidioplastik\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on metoidioplasty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How big will the penis be after a metoidioplasty?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically 4\u20137 cm. The enlarged clitoris forms the base.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Is sexual intercourse possible after metoidioplasty?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sexual function is often good, but penetrative intercourse is usually limited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Will the ability to have an orgasm remain?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, because the nerves in the clitoris remain intact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Does health insurance cover the cost of a metoidioplasty?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually yes, subject to assessment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-5&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-5\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">How long do I need to take testosterone before metoidioplasty is possible?<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-5\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-5-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least 12\u201324 months for the clitoral tissue to grow sufficiently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As part of gender-affirming surgery, metoidioplasty involves creating a neophallus from the clitoris, which has previously been enlarged through hormone therapy.<\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-696","glossary","type-glossary","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary\/696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/glossary"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/glossary"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/4beauty.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}