For FTM transgender people binding has to be one of the most physically painful and restricting things we do in order to pass before surgery. However, for the majority of us it is psychologically less painful than not binding and having people read you as female because of your chest.
The main problem with binding in its restrictive nature is that it can cause health problems such as pneumonia, fluid build up in the lungs, fractured ribs if you are not careful and even more problems. I myself am faced with constant soreness in my ribs and sensitivity and tenderness. I woke up the other night with pain in my ribs that even disturbed my sleep from wearing the binder all day at work. This is why after two and a half years of binding, chest surgery will be more than a psychological relief for my dysphoria, it will also be a physical relief of not having to bind anymore.
On most FTM resource sites it recommends not to bind more that 12 hours straight a day and not to bind too tight as to restrict movement or breathing. However, even without prolonged daily use of a binder you must be careful not to over do it.
For a great guide to the “do’s” and “dont’s” of binding see the T-Vox site’s “The Ten Binding Commandments”.
Binding often is a dreaded but necessary part of a pre-op FTM’s life. However, I know that if I didn’t have a binder, I would not leave my home and would face anxiety and panic attacks upon the consideration of doing so. Even with the binder on I have daily anxiety because of the fact that my chest even with binding often still does not hide my breasts well. It is not for everyone though I know of at least one FTM who has been on T for a long time who no longer binds and I think that it’s awesome that they are able to feel comfortable without binding.
So until surgery binding is still almost always a daily reality for many FTM’s.
That’s all for this time I’m just scratching the surface on this topic but there are many resources out there about it and I’m sure that I will touch upon it again.
