Of course. Here is a summary of the available erection aids for trans women on HRT, based on the shared experiences of others.
It's completely normal for hormone therapy to change how your body responds sexually, and many people explore different options to find what works for them. The goal can be to maintain tissue health, facilitate sexual activity, or both.
Prescription Medications (Pills)
The most commonly discussed aids are prescription medications like sildenafil (generic Viagra) and tadalafil (generic Cialis). These work by improving blood flow and do not interfere with your hormone levels. The key difference is in how you use them. Sildenafil is taken as needed, about an hour before sexual activity, and requires a bit of planning. Tadalafil can be taken as a low-dose daily pill, which provides a constant baseline effect that allows for more spontaneity. As one user shared, "Tadalafil is a daily pill and gives a baseline improvement in consistency so it allows for spontaneous play." – Cheesesteak248 source [citation:fa3c41ce-6cb2-43fe-8348-c267468dc499] These are also used to help maintain tissue size by facilitating erections a few times a week.
Regular Manual Stimulation
A natural and crucial method is regular manual stimulation to achieve erections. Because HRT typically stops spontaneous nighttime erections, the tissue can atrophy without regular use. Creating a routine to get an erection helps keep the skin stretchy and maintain size. The recommended frequency varies; some find success with once or twice a week, while others with more significant atrophy may need to do it daily. The important thing is to listen to your body, as "shrinkage is largely due to use... She would likely just need to get an erection once or twice a week to maintain her size. If this isn't enough, adjust accordingly." – teethwhitener7 source [citation:9c62da60-6fb7-4391-9143-8de9598f1946]
Topical Testosterone Cream
Some doctors may prescribe a topical testosterone cream that is applied directly to the genital area. The goal is to provide localized testosterone to help with erectile function and tissue health without significantly raising your overall testosterone levels. However, this option comes with a note of caution, as there is a concern it could affect your hormone balance. One user pointed out that while it is a solution, "that can mess with your hormone levels." – Mugufta source [citation:0e585ab9-5acc-4d46-bb34-4795430192d2] This is something to discuss carefully with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.
Non-Prescription and Natural Options
Some people explore non-prescription routes. These are often anecdotal but can be worth investigating. Some mentioned aids include specific herbs like Maca or Ashwagandha, and even dietary choices like eating smoked oysters for their high iron content to promote blood flow. One user shared, "the second best thing I used personally was snacking on smoked oysters. IIRC, they’re really high in iron, which helps promote blood flow." – TrashMasterChunkz source [citation:53e68d39-7bc5-45bc-8cf4-ecc3c8194c6d] Anecdotally, some have also found that cannabis (pot) can help.
Devices and Redefining Pleasure
Devices like vacuum pumps are another option to mechanically encourage blood flow and maintain tissue. However, experiences are mixed; for some, they can cause dysphoria. It's also empowering to remember that an erection is not the only path to pleasure. Many find that their experience of arousal changes on HRT, and exploring different kinds of stimulation can open up new avenues for intimacy. As one person discovered, "We figured out that she doesn't need an erection to orgasm (the human body is fascinating!), so this is a great time to experiment with lots of fun new toys!" – OsteoStevie source [citation:00ed1983-2c5f-4f91-859a-bb8de798696f]
In summary, you have a range of options, from medical prescriptions to natural aids and lifestyle routines. The best choice is highly personal and depends on your specific goals for your body and your relationship with it. It's always a good idea to talk through these options with a supportive healthcare provider. Remember, your journey with your body is unique, and finding what brings you comfort and joy is what matters most.