Transfem

aw, thank you - I like seeing you around too 🫶

so, the problem with buccal lining for mucus-production is that it won't produce the right kind of mucus for a vaginal microbiome (nor will it behave like vaginal epithelium in terms of managing pH), so while a buccal graft is closer to vaginal epithelium than a skin graft (like from a scrotum), afaik the mucus it will produce won't have the sugars in them to feed lactobacillus and won't sufficiently replace cervical mucus, and the buccal graft won't create an acidic environment to promote lactobacillus the way vaginal epithelium would.

That said, I don't think it's the worst logic that a buccal graft gets you that much closer to something like vaginal epithelium, so I don't blame you for wanting to try that, esp. if a uterus transplant could install a future cervix that does produce the mucus that would help feed lactobacillus.

Not that it matters too much, but I personally wouldn't want a mucosal graft because it would make it harder to go anywhere without panties and pantiliners, because as I understand it the graft constantly produces mucus and you basically constantly have discharge (unlike a natal vagina where is not constant and goes through cycles of more or less discharge). Another reason some women want these mucosal grafts is for "lubrication" during sex, which again I understand the desire to be closer to a natal vagina that way, but what I've read is that the mucus isn't enough to sufficiently lubricate, and in my experience because my surgeon retained my Cowper's glad, I get extremely wet when aroused and surprisingly that has been more than enough for some kinds of penetration (though it's still recommended to use lube whether you have penile-inversion, or a technique with a mucosal graft).

Since no successful uterine transplant has ever been performed on a trans woman, I tend to hold some skepticism that it will be an option in my lifetime - but I do see that they keep trying, and hopefully someday there will be a success (and more than that, that eventually they will find a way to perform uterine transplants in a way that isn't a huge risk and becomes routine, the way vaginoplasties have been developed over the past century to the point that risks are relatively low and outcomes relatively positive).

Regardless, I don't fault you for seeking a uterine transplant (if I thought it were possible, I would certainly consider it myself), just be careful and weigh those risks seriously. I also would look into what the requirements would be, such an experimental and new surgery they may have stricter requirements around age, health, etc.

Thanks for sharing that article, I'll read it more carefully when I have a chance.

Also thank you for alerting me to the reality of uterine transplants in cis women, I wasn't aware they were as far along as that - that's so exciting and gives me so much hope!