TRANS MASC RESOURCES
Below you will find articles with tips and resources to mange Gender Dysphoria. These Anecdotal tips are written by Trans Men for Trans Men and supported by empirical data.
Tips for Facial Hair
Anecdotal tips by Trans Men for Trans Men and supported by Medical Professionals and Data.
Hair and Beards
Minoxidil / Rogaine
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss that helps regrow hair and prevent future hair loss in men and women with certain types of hair loss. This can come as a topical foam or solution.
Minoxidil has been used for beards; however, that would be considered “off-label use.” So just make sure to let your provider know if you have tried this before.
How to Use Minoxidil for Facial Hair Growth
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Clean and wash your face once a day with soap and water or follow your typical routine.
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Massage foam or oil onto the desired area: chin, cheeks, upper lip (be careful not to get it into the mouth or eyes—follow the bottle’s warning label).
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Massage it into the skin once or twice daily for 15 minutes at a time. A gentle massage or dermal rolling helps stimulate hair growth.
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Be careful and ensure you are washing your hands and waiting an hour or more before interacting with loved ones and animals after applying the medication.
You can try sunflower oil or coconut oil for a more natural hair growth supplement instead of minoxidil. You would apply it the same way.
Facial Hair: Tips & Tricks for Stimulating Growth
Many trans men desire facial hair, and while testosterone treatments do help with hair growth, genetics is the deciding factor in whether or not we have a lot of body and facial hair or a little.
Resources:
https://www.drugs.com/condition/alopecia.html
https://www.drugs.com/condition/alopecia.html
HYGIENE TIPS FROM TRANS MEN
Hygiene Tips from Trans Men
Acne is a common side effect of testosterone therapy. In anecdotal experiences from trans men we’ve talked to: first comes acne, then comes hair. If body and facial hair are something you are looking forward to, then have faith that acne is just a phase.
Basic hygiene tips—changing your pillowcase weekly, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced nutritional eating habit—can limit acne flare-ups. Genetics plays a part as well, so ask your relatives what treatments worked for their acne if possible.
Aztec Clay Mask
Aztec clay mud applied as a facial mask and as a scar mask has helped with redness and visibility of scars and acne. Some do this daily; some do it once or twice a week—try what works for you.
Products Recommended for Acne and Scar Care
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Silicon scar sheets or creams can be applied to scars to limit their appearance.
They work best when you begin treating your scars as early as possible.
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Use sunscreen on scars, even through light-colored T-shirts, to help limit scar appearance.
**DYSPHORIA CAN MAKE HYGIENE MORE DIFFICULT —
BUT GOOD HYGIENE IS A SMALL PIECE OF WHAT MAKES OUR MENTAL HEALTH STRONG**
HOMEOSTASIS
Homeostasis is how your body regulates and maintains itself to function at its best.
A healthy mind, a healthy body, and healthy lifestyle choices are all pieces of a happy body.
If you feel unwell or a little off, try starting with this:
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Keeping your living area clean
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Eating nutritious foods
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Good sleep habits
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Staying hydrated
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Taking your medications if you need them
It’s a self-regulating process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to conditions optimal for survival. If homeostasis is successful, life continues.
If we aren’t caring for our bodies at their biological level, then we won’t feel or function well.
An animal that is hungry, thirsty, or hurt will respond differently than one that is well-fed, safe, and cared for. We are no different than any other animal.
In moments of overwhelm, start with the basics: water, food safety, hygiene, and socialization.
Extra Hygiene Tip
If you find it difficult to shower often or as thoroughly as you’d like, try:
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dry shampoo
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baby/body wipes
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deodorant
These can substitute on days when showers feel impossible.
Fighting Smells
Body odor can be tough when your body is changing all the time.
A few tricks:
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Black tea bags placed in shoes overnight help fight shoe odor.
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Soaking your feet in black tea for 15 minutes a day can also help reduce smells.
Prosthetics For Trans Men
Prosthetics for Trans men 101
Stand to pee devices/ Packers
Devices can be found online at shops such as: https://transthetics.com
Please ONLY access these site if you are over the age of 18 as these medical products are prosthetic genitalia devices.
What Is a Stand to Pee Device (STP)?
An STP (Stand-To-Pee device) is a prosthetic that allows someone to urinate while standing. Many trans men use STPs to feel more comfortable and confident in public restrooms.
Common Questions
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Can I wear my stand to pee packer when going through an airport body scanner?
Airport scanners use different settings based on how a traveler is categorized during screening. Depending on the selected setting, the device may be detected. As long as you are read as male, the stp will not show up on the scanner, but if you are read as female, it will. Many people find it easier having it in a bag in your carry-on bag when going through security at the air ports as they just scan it and go rather than having to have all the extra steps and time taken to explain during a pat down.
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How long can I wear my stand to pee device? Can I sleep with my STP?
There are no strict rules. But it is best not to wear an STP for more than 8 hours at a time. Most STPs are made of silicone. Silicone can reduce airflow to the skin. In hot or humid weather, this may cause discomfort if worn too long. Sleeping with your STP is not recommended. Allow your skin time to breathe.
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How often should I wash my STP packer?
It's usually not practical to wash your packer after every use, though if you're using it at home, it's a good idea to give it a quick flush under the faucet after use. Clean daily with antibacterial soap that is silicone safe ( or safe for whatever material your device is made of) Let air dry and if the packer becomes tacky - you can apply baby powder once completely dry.
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Can my STP give me a yeast infection?
Yeast infections are more likely when skin stays warm and moist. Because STPs can trap moisture, wearing one too long may increase your risk if you get yeast infections often. If you recently had a yeast infection:
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Make sure your device is fully cleaned before using it again.
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Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Not all devices are safe to boil or expose to high heat.
Talk to your provider if you notice: Redness that does not go away, Itching or burning, Pain, Unusual discharge, Repeated yeast infections
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Can I use my stand to pee packer for sex?
Some packers are a two-in-one and can be used for both urination and sex.
Prosthetics For Trans Men Continued
Prosthetics for Trans men 101
Tips for Using and Packing with an STP
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Wear Snug Briefs
The closer your underwear sits to your skin, the better it will be able to hold your packer in place. Briefs tend to work best due to the leg elastic doing a great job at holding everything in place. Basically - the smaller the front pouch is, the less the packer will be able to move around.
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Choose underwear with a side slit or modify them
Trying to use an STP pulled up over your waistband is close to impossible and will most likely result in back flow and an accident. Don’t try to fight gravity! Another useful trick for side slit underwear is to cut a small hole in the layer that sits against your skin where the shaft sits. This helps keep the device in place and makes using it much easier. It also means you don’t have to maneuver it around two layers of fabric.
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Choose Pants That Allow You to Bring the Fly Down Low
Make sure you’re wearing pants that allow you to bring the fly down lower than your urethral exit. This makes positioning the STP and ensuring it’s not getting kinked in any way so much easier. A lot of backflow issues are caused by the STP either being kinked in the middle or the user not pointing the shaft low enough.
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Discretely Lift the Cup Forward to Clear Any Remaining Drops
Once you’ve finished peeing, there’s a good chance there’ll be a few drops in the bottom of the cup.