This page is general information. Whether any procedure is suitable for you can only be decided after an individual clinical assessment by a qualified surgeon, and requirements differ between providers.
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Operating time
- Commonly 2–5 hours
- Hospital stay
- Commonly 3–7 nights
- Time in Thailand
- Commonly 2–3 weeks
- Testosterone
- Usually taken for some time beforehand
- Donor-site scar
- None (no flap needed)
What metoidioplasty involves
The clitoris, enlarged by testosterone, is released and repositioned to form a small phallus. Options include urethral lengthening so you may be able to urinate standing, scrotoplasty with or without testicular implants, and vaginectomy. A simple metoidioplasty (release only) is shorter with fewer urinary complications.
Metoidioplasty or phalloplasty?
Metoidioplasty keeps erotic sensation and natural erections and needs no donor site, but the phallus is small and penetrative sex is usually not possible. Phalloplasty creates a larger phallus from forearm or thigh tissue but involves more stages, donor-site scarring and more complications. See our phalloplasty guide.
Requirements
Surgeons generally follow WPATH SOC-8, with a documented assessment and, because the procedure relies on testosterone-driven growth, usually a period of hormone therapy beforehand. Ask each surgeon what they require.
Recovery
- Hospital: a urinary catheter, often for one to three weeks if the urethra is lengthened.
- 2–3 weeks in Thailand: wound checks and catheter management before flying.
- Months: swelling settles; if testicular implants are planned, they are usually placed in a later stage.
Risks
The most common problems involve the lengthened urethra: fistulas (leaks) and strictures (narrowing), which may need further surgery. Other risks include bleeding, infection, wound healing problems and implant complications.
Planning travel
Plan about 2–3 weeks in Thailand, longer if the catheter stays in. Confirm follow-up arrangements after you return home.
What affects the cost
Whether urethral lengthening, scrotoplasty, vaginectomy and implants are included, and the number of hospital nights, affect the price. See our cost guide.
Choosing a surgeon
Confirm the surgeon's licence with the Medical Council of Thailand and relevant specialist training, ask how many metoidioplasty procedures they perform, and how complications are handled after you return home. See our checklist.
Surgeons and hospitals for metoidioplasty
Verified surgeons profiles are being added
We list surgeons only after checking their licence, training and hospital affiliations against official sources for metoidioplasty. You can still book now: our patient team matches you with a suitable provider and confirms the booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should I stay in Thailand after metoidioplasty?
Commonly two to three weeks, longer if a catheter is needed after urethral lengthening.
Can I urinate standing after metoidioplasty?
Many people can if urethral lengthening is included and heals well, but urinary complications are possible.
Do I need to take testosterone first?
Usually yes, because the procedure relies on clitoral growth from testosterone. Ask your surgeon about their requirements.
Is sensation preserved?
Metoidioplasty generally preserves erotic sensation because it uses the clitoris.
Can I have phalloplasty later?
Some people have phalloplasty after metoidioplasty; discuss long-term plans with your surgeon before the first operation.
Sources
- Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8. WPATH / International Journal of Transgender Health (2022). Accessed 2026-09-23.
- Guidelines for the primary and gender-affirming care of transgender and gender nonbinary people. UCSF Transgender Care. Accessed 2026-09-23.
- Medical Council of Thailand. Medical Council of Thailand. Accessed 2026-09-23.
This page is written by our editorial team from the sources above. Independent review by a licensed surgeon is being arranged; until then it is marked as review pending. See our medical review policy.