FAQ

There are individual reviews and comments, posted/ written by individuals over the years, but they are hard to find behind all the piles of information online.

What you see easily advertised and "reviewed" online today, are products made in mass and with ad campaigns. (see no hype policy, and see the project).

Also, I make very very few prosthesis to sell. My time is mostly design work.

The prostheses skins are made of very soft silicone. This makes them comfortable and realistic to the feel, but it does rub down over time. Eventually you will see signs of wear and tear, and later you are likely to notice holes in the skin. They are made to be worn all the time 24/7. 

The internal parts -although greatly improve in terms of durability and ease of function over the years – are also made primarily of silicone. They will break down over time.

A very rough lifetime estimate is one year. That is a rough estimate only and not to be taken as a guarantee. At the same time, many wear their prostheses for several years, and even earlier versions of the inside parts are still functioning after years of use. 

Repair and replacement parts can make the prosthesis last a lot longer.  Please see repairs. 

No, I complete the orders as they come.

The prosthesis are as inexpensive as they can be. Also - I'm selling the prostheses in order to fund the project. 

Due to the nature of the device, I do not accept returns.

See terms and conditions

Also see Repairs

No, I don't publish photos or videos of the prosthesis on a body.

I did that once in 2007 - and I still have people telling me the Phase2 was better than everything since. The Phase2 in reality though,  looked more like a cartoon version of the Phase3. The Phase2 was of a much stiffer silicone and had no colour variation. It was, in every way, a much less developed device. But people saw it "on the body" so it looked really good. 

It's too easy to make such photos look really bad or really good. Of course I'd rather make them look good – so - 'on the body' photos feels to me like false advertising. Please see no hype policy.

t2 prostheses are the result of years of research, feedback, experimentation - they are really well thought out devices. Please don't give up if something isn't working how you'd hoped.

I'm easy to communicate with. Please Contact me

Also…

Please don't take your prosthesis apart without instructions from me. It's easy to do,  but very easy to do wrong. 

Repair e-mailing and replacement parts are always priority. It takes ca. 1 week for new parts to ship.

Please note: I no longer do the repairs. Too many prothesis are lost in the mail while in route to me. Also, repairing takes time = There's no way for me to do repairs at a sustainable price.

1.  You report the problem to me via e-mail.
2.  I'll ask questions and figure out what to do next.
3.  I walk you through the repair/ adjustment via e-mail.
Or
If you need a new part, or a 'patch kit',  you agree to the conditions here below , pay the fee (+ VAT if applicable + postage), and I send you the part (or patch kit) and easy to follow instructions (videos and text).

Pump (with connections): €70. Airshaft and tube (rest of the penis internals): €200. Patch kit for the skin: €20–30 (individual to the patch). A new skin: €560. All plus VAT where applicable and postage (within the EU currently €15; up to ~€60 outside the EU). Parts are sold as replacements only — you can't buy parts in advance, so I can track damage and keep every part compatible with your prosthesis.

Note: This is one reason to - please - never use silicone lube or silicone lubricated condoms. The lube alters the silicone of the prosthesis.

Patching is not hard to do, but there are several steps and it will take you some time and you'll need a clean place to do it. You may end up with a 'scar' on the prosthesis (the patch looks a bit different and is less stretchy and is firmer than the surrounding skin). 

If you're considering patching, I'll go through the process with you in more detail before sending a kit.

Please don't try to find a way to get parts and "build" prostheses to sell them cheaper. That would really mess up my ability to track for durability.

and

I still have a lot to do to reach the perfect prosthesis, and for that, I need honest feedback and to keep getting paid.

1. I sell the parts as replacement parts only. You can't buy parts in advance. Making replacements parts in response to concrete problems lets me track damage and update the design. It also means that you receive the most advanced version, and that the part is compatible with the rest of your prosthesis.

4. Please be aware that the prosthesis will break down over time. At some point it will make more sense to buy a new prosthesis, rather than to replace a part. 

5. How patchable a hole is depends on its size shape and position, but also on how much the prosthesis has been worn, and on the person who has been wearing it. Oils from skin alter the silicone over time. Keeping the prosthesis clean helps keep the silicone consistent, but the silicone is also affected by each individual persons chemical make-up. Never use silicone lube or silicone lubricated condoms. The lube alters the silicone of the prosthesis.

6. When the prostheses get older, they rip more easily. If you buy replacement parts, there's always a risk of damage to the prosthesis while replacing the parts. I've put a lot of work into making it easy to replace parts without causing damage. But - they are soft silicone, I can only offer what's possible. 

*Repair is not so relevant for t2 Simples, a patch kit may be usefull at some point but there are no separate or functioning parts or "use" to think about. 

Set the prosthesis so that it's comfortable.
Too high will make a larger looking bulge.
With the Phase5, when erect, you want the knob to press on the base/begin of your mini penis/clitoris. When flaccid, the knob tucks in a bit higher.

Raise the scrotum (balls), or push the prosthesis to the side and do as usual. The plate is attached to you, but the prosthesis is pliable and squishable and the parts move fairly freely away from your body while the plate stays attached (and holding the prosthesis in place). 

(With the t2 Simple, you can hook-up a compatible STP device if you know of a compatible device that works well for you. The t2 Simple is not an STP device).

The Phase_ prosthesis is not an STP, and has no connection for an STP device. 

The simple has a hole to connect a compatible STP device. It is not an STP device. 

You can always push the prosthesis to the side or forward out of the way, and use an STP device that works for you.

If you order a prosthesis and want to try the JetP, or an alternative STP device I'm working on, please let me know. (I will update this very soon, general info on the JetP is here www.jetP.net)

If you have had the urethra extension surgery (the labia minora sewn together and up to form a urethra extension connected to your (mini) penis), likely what you have is too short to get all the urine past your pants. Ask me about the P-tube I've created. It's similar to the JetP but with a "catch" made for different anatomy, and it's just a funnel, no siphon system. It's very easy to use. 

Water can enter the pump (the right testicle) of the Phase_ when you swim or bathe. Press the water out of the pump before putting on your clothes. (I include 'swim plugs' with each prosthesis in case you prefer to keep the hole shut. Currently:  small plastic bolts, which you can use it you find that better than without). 

If the prosthesis develops a hole it's no longer watertight. If water gets under the 'skin' of the prosthesis, that won't damage the prosthesis nor have an effect on how it functions. (You will want to press the water out of the prosthesis before you put on your clothes to avoid any leaking.)

With adhesive: Water (also salt water) has no adverse effect. Soapy water can soften the adhesive.

I've not found any affect of chlorine, but still assume that strongly chlorinated water must affect the prostheses somewhat over time.

They are made to be worn all the time: 24/7

If you have large growth and surgical release, you might find that your penis rubs uncomfortably against the back of the prosthesis. Noone has reported that, but I assume it must be so for some. 

If you have a scrotum, the prosthesis will likely be too bulky. Contact me if you would like to discuss ordering a prosthesis without the scrotum (with a separate pump, or a Simple version with no erection function). 

When someone reports a problem, I address it in the handbook (updated regularly) and/ or work to alter the design.
Troubleshooting is often specific to each individual prosthesis, and I need information to improve the prostheses for everyone. So please e-mail me when there's a problem. That is what this project is about. I spend much of my time altering the design to reduce problems and increase durablity and comfort. 

You squeeze the right ball to pump air into the shaft. You are pumping about 3-4 times the air that would "fill" the penis at size of erection. There is no risk of the penis "exploding" when pumped per hand. In the case of a leak or a hole, the air just escapes and the penis returns to flaccid. 

About 20 pumps. This should take about 15 seconds.

You release the air by pressing a release valve. It takes a few seconds. Most people find the current version easy to do, but you must first learn how.

When you first receive your prosthesis, you practice the release valve before pumping to erection. Instructions will be in your handbook when you receive your prosthesis. 

The knob is a firmer part at the base of the erection. Stimulation is pressure and rubbing on the small penis (or clitoris).

Each person reacts differently to stimulus; there is no guarantee as to how the knob will feel for you.

Feedback received from and about partners has usually been very positive. ( I say "usually" because it hasn't been 100% positive 100% of the time for the past 2 decades, but I think it's safe to say that everyone finds the erection feels very "real"). 

No, there are always various issues with attachment. For info see attachment methods

With the band only, the prosthesis sits very well for daily wear and activity, especially with loose underwear or naked. But for sex, you will likely need to do something like: lower your underwear but keep them on. Place the waistband of your underwear between your scrotum and penis – this keeps the prosthesis firmly enough in place against your body.

The band + methods make the prosthesis stay in place tighter to the body, but you might find this pulls/tugs too much on the hairs to rely on it all the time, or at all. The system works for some, which is why I include it. But it's not a solution for everyone.

Adhesive works differently with all people – for some very well, others not reliable enough.

If you choose to wear a harness, be aware that the silicone of your prosthesis is soft, and if you want your prosthesis to last, you shouldn't wear anything that could damage the prosthesis. The prostheses are not made to be worn with a harness.

It's as firm as any healthy erection. It is firm enough for any form of penetrative sex.

Yes. Like with any prosthesis (no matter how many hair follicles and moles are added), anyone who you are intimate with will know that it's a prosthesis. It is made of silicone, it is not permanently attached to the body, and the erections are not spontaneous.

No. Sizes are as shown on this website.

You can ask for a smaller erection (shorter and/or thinner).

I have the one size only, because this is a design project. I make and use one set of forms, and one set of calculations, which I regularly update/ alter during the design process.

Yes.

No.

The colour will change slightly over time due to skin oils but will continue to look natural. 

Yes. The attachment areas are mostly hidden under the prosthesis. In most lighting you can see where the prosthesis begins (pubic hair helps hide this). If you use the band method, you can see the band - thin, small, but still, a band. 

No, and I'm not planning to as they are really hard to keep clean and attached without damaging the prosthesis.

While the prostheses look realistic at a glance, they are not realistic enough to go unnoticed in all situations/viewpoints/ angles/ lighting (no prosthesis is - no matter what is advertised). 

Situations where you are naked for a short amount of time and not under scrutiny should be no problem at all (ex. changing into swim-shorts), but please use your discretion.

Also, there is the attachment (adhesive which may soften or the elastic band which can be seen.)

Circumcised. Uncircumcised options are planned for later, when I can make the skin thin enough while strong enough.

No - they are made from very soft, 100% toxin free professional prosthetic-making platinum silicones. "Cyberskin" or similar is made with additives which I do not trust touching skin for any length of time. 

If you use adhesive to attach the prosthesis, be sure to remove the glue build up on the plate every once in awhile (that is a place where bacteria and fungus can grow).

The prosthesis and parts are all internally lubricated with coconut oil. If you are allergic to coconut oil, please contact me to see if there is something else I can use in production and you can use for periodic lubrication.  Nothing I know of works as well as coconut oil, but there are other options.

Some elastics options for the band method:  If you use the band method to attach your prosthesis, you may have a local skin reaction to the elastic you use. This usually goes away after a few times washing the elastic. The elastic is sold online from several places, and not labelled correctly. It is not a medical silicone, but some sort of plastic mix. If you have known allergies, please take care. If you contact me about it, I can give you further ideas/ information. 

The prosthesis is designed with much thought to safety and comfort. There are no toxins involved in production or materials, nothing hard and nothing that can fall off, hurt of or cause damage. 

Of course it is important and your responsibility to keep it clean and practice safer sex.

Very few packers and prostheses stay attached with medical adhesive. 

Some are just way too stiff. 
Others are made with materials that are not compatible with medical adhesives. 

The attachment plate doesn't need to be large, the prosthesis/packer needs to designed to allow for adhesion. 

t2 prostheses are designed to stay attached. For info on t2 prostheses and adhesives see attachment methods

Silicone based medical adhesives* are effected by 

• Sweat (Even if advertised as "not effected by perspiration", sweat does affect the glue bond.) 
• Weather
• Oil from the skin or from creams
• Current pH level of the skin 
• Incompatible silicones: another reason to stay away from silicone lube

Water though, does not - swimming is no problem at all.

Note: If your skin is wet or damp when you apply the prosthesis, it will not adhere to the skin.

In the case of high humidity or sweating – be certain to wipe the sky dry before applying the prosthesis (and check for proper adhesion a few minutes later as you may need to re-apply). 

Some people cannot use adhesives 
Silicone based medical adhesives work well for most, but not for everyone. When in contact with some peoples skin, medical adhesive becomes "gooey", and no longer "tacky". The gooey substance cannot hold the prosthesis, and it get stuck all over the prosthesis and skin.
(This was not public knowledge. I found out, thanks to a prosthecist who took the time to answer all sorts of questions years ago when when I was stuck on issues with materials.) 

For other ways to attach your t2 prosthesis see Attachment Methods.

Adhesive Recommendations (Silicone based medical adhesives)**

neo Kryolan medical silicone adhesive (made in Germany)
Available online in various countries

Secure Brand Medical Adhesives
Sold online at factor2 in the USA, technovent in the UK and Comesil in Germany.
They have several product names depending on size and concentration. Thick versions are called BT -4xx, and thin versions are called B-4xx.

and maybe:

Walker Extreme Hold
Sold online through wig shops
Thin version:  Walker Liqui Tape

Hollister Medical Adhesive 7730 

Production of Hollister has been discontinued as of summer 2022.
You may be able to still find it online or through pharmacists
Changes to product, it is now called "Adapt Hollister Medical Adhesive 7730". Some people have reported the new version works well, others that it's not as well as the previous version. 

I've been told that this works well (I have not tested them.)
Niells Sil-key silicone adhesive (made in the UK)
Available online in various countries.

Telesis 8 silicone adhesive
Available online in various countries.

If you choose a thick adhesive, a few tips

1. Keep the bottles closed tight to avoid evaporation. 
2. Purchase the "thin" version as well. When the glue becomes too thick to easily and evenly spread over the plates, add some of the "thin" to the "thick" to dilute it.
3. For easy opening, wipe a very thin layer of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around the threads of the bottles. (Contact with oils and grease lessen the effect of the glue. Be sure to never get any Vaseline on the bottles or on the brushes.)

Solvent / Adhesive Remover

Soap, warm water and a bit of rubbing work best to remove adhesive residue from the skin and hair.

To remove the adhesive build up from the prosthesis plate, you can simply cut it off with scissors when it becomes thick. Use (curve ended) cuticle scissors - they have a rounded tip which makes it easier to cut close without cutting into the plate. 

Some people have found that these products work well

Pro Bond Solvent (B-608-1 from Factor2.com)
Hollister Adhesive Remover 7731

* This is all about silicone based medical adhesives. Water based medical adhesives are not strong enough, and they are water based. Which means they no longer adhere when wet (shower, swim, sweat, high humidity). Water based medical adhesive is compatible with silicone that is not medical grade: you can attach some prosthesis/packers, and a variety of other devices to your skin for short periods of time (usually wigs, props, costumes etc. I don't know how a penis prosthesis or packer could stay attached with water based adhesive. Some companies advertise that there's do, I don't believe them for a second.). 

**  This kind of information is widely available online now, no longer just on this website - I suggest you check further as well as here. Let me know if you find something new that I should include here. 

This information is centered on airports and travel, but also relevant for police or other checks.

Frisking 

The prostheses are designed to feel realistic, and they are soft and subtle when flaccid. Still, an agent who is allowed to touch your genitals may notice that it is not biological.

To date no one has reported any problems when frisked, and many have gone through the process without problems.

Metal Detectors 

There is no metal in the prostheses. There is nothing to set off a metal detector alarm.

Airplane Travel

Please be aware that routines, rules and regulations differ by country and airport. A lot of information is not supplied to the public.

If a security officer notices something non-biological on your body (your prosthesis) they may inspect it further. You may be required to show your prosthesis. You may be required to remove and allow inspection of your prosthesis. If you do not comply with securities' demands, you may not only loose your chance to fly, you may not be free to leave the airport. 

Body Scanners 

Many airports have separate security lines leading to the body scanner and to metal detectors. You may be able to choose your line.

In many countries the scanner is rarely used, in others it's standard process.

You may be selected for the body scanner.  People experience increased scrutiny by security based on their colour, name, country of origin, destination, citizenship, and gender representation etc.

If you must go through a body scanner, and are wearing a prosthesis, expect security to see it. If they see it, they might inspect it.
You may have the option to 'opt out' of the body scanner (people do so for a variety of reasons: radiation, privacy etc.).When you 'opt out', you will be frisked (see 'Frisking' here above). One option for some places is to carry a letter from a doctor, stating that you should not go through the body scanner due to medical reasons. 

There are so many companies now! So many options.

I don't consider t2 prostheitcs as part of the "industry" - I'm designing a prosthesis, not building a business. 

The prosthesis I make cost a lot of money, and most people are not in the position to support this project through orders. Likely, you are at this website out of interest, not here to buy one.

Why include this section in this website?

This page is thanks to someone who wrote to me after having been seriously scammed. He didn't write to order, he's not a "customer". We just wrote a bit and he gave me some insights I'd been missing.  

I've been doing this work a long time, and I've developed a good eye. When I see a packer or prosthesis advertised online, I recognise and understand the materials, I can spot if something is well thought out or just well advertised, and I often know when there's care for safety. 

Some tips and things to watch out for  

• Unless you want a very noticeable bulge in your pants, the flaccid state should be relatively small and soft. 

• is it soft?  Or will it be a solid chunk in your pants? In general, if it's not shown to be soft, it probably isn't.  Check videos - see if it's malleable.
• See if the penis lays down on it's own. If there is an attachment plate, and the penis is pushed down manually, does the plate come forward whenever the penis is held down? 

• Very soft, with very thin parts, is likely to rip or rub away fast - be aware of that - especially if the price is higher than an inexpensive packer. (Example - a higher price for a foreskin? Expect it could rip very soon, and be sure its worth the price difference with the one that doesn't have the foreskin, and/or that it is still useable if the foreskin rips). Also - really squishy silicone is often the type that must be powdered, and will break down fast (but these are often low priced, and the extra softness may be worth the other drawbacks).

• A pump or rod erection system doesn't mean the erection is firm. The outer skin may be thick and squishy over a rod system. The entire penis can be soft like a balloon with a pump system. A bendable rod my feel wierd how it bends, unbendable may be too stiff for comfort for the person receiving penetration (things to be aware of and consider). 

• Detailed form and colouring is great - but if you're paying extra for that, and the device is hard and stiff in a way that can't feel natural to the touch or to wear ... is the price worth it for you? Regardless of detailing, it will still look like a prosthesis to anyone who sees it for longer than a glance. No matter how they're advertise. Maybe something that looks natural in pants, and allows you to move naturally is a better idea (often, even those very basic packers look natural for a fleeting glance. And always, they feel more natural at a fleeting touch - a sexual touch, but also any other sort of contact - a hug or someone bumps into you or a kid jumps onto your lap.) 

If advertised as attacheable with adhesive : 

• If silicone based medical adhesive can't be used directly on the prosthesis, it is not made of medical grade silicone. Most non-medical silicones have additives in them that cause silicone glue or the prosthesis to turn gooey - that's the stuff that gets all over the place. (I know of one medical grade silicone that doesn't work well with silicone, but it simply doesn't stick well, it doesn't make that goo.) Some individual people have a ph balance that effects silicone medical adhesive, but for most people medical adhesive works fine when the device is made of medical silicones.
• Most silicone that is compatible with medical adhesive, is relatively firm. If the prosthesis can't squish and bend, the prosthesis won't stay attached when you move unless you hold it in place with tight underwear or a harness system - one of those incredicly large attachment plates that go up your belly are meant to allow it to hold longer/ better despite being pulled away from your body with each move you make.  

• Most soft prosthesis and packers are made with silicones that are not compatible with silicone based medical adhesive. If a company advertises use with adhesive, check that it is not water based medical adhesive. Water based is very weak and stops sticking once it gets wet (swim, shower, sweat).

• A prosthesis directly bonded over the entire genital area is never a well thought-out design. No adhesive will stay attached well enough to let you move while the prosthesis stays attached to your entire genital area. And if an adhesive that strong is advertised, do not trust the product. Also, your skin needs to breathe, moisture needs to evaporate. Otherwise, you have rashes, infections and stink. And - You need to be able to pee, to clean your skin, to touch your skin. 

STP:  Consider the STP system on offer. 

• Are you planning to feel comfortable at a urinal in a crowded public washroom? If advertised that you can stand to pee without explaining how - ask them to explain. If it's just a large surface 'cup' or open funnel that collects the urine… how will you control your flow, so that it doesn't spill? How do you wipe the cup after you pee? If the cup is soft, how will you hold it without accidentally squishing it so the pee spills out? If the cup is hard, how can that be comfortable for daily wear? .. and the tip/meatus hole - the urine needs to go out the meatus with some sort of pressure unless the shape is designed very well. (Have you ever noticed how a tea pot with a badly designed spout has the tea dribble down the pot rather than flow out the spout?) 

If something sounds too good to be true, contact the company and ask them to explain how the feature functions. 

If a company advertises things that can't be true or safe - stay away, lots of companies have come and gone. There are a lot of scams.  

It's very easy to create a professional looking website, in whatever style you want, if you want that. And anyone can post a video or write a review - saying whatever they want. And a lot of influencers really just sell clicks. Videos are a way to get a better idea of a device of course, just remember - they talk fast and act excited so that you're entertained and keep watching. (I watched a lot before writing this page).  

Communication. Contact the company or person to see how they communicate/ to be sure that there is someone to communicate with. 

Has the company been around a long time, and still exists?  This is a good indication that people are continuing to support the business. Check with a way back machine - an online archive, there you can put in a site and a date and see how things have been over the years. Of course - new companies with new ideas come up too - and older ones survive if they have the funds. Longevity may say more about advertising and starting capital than anything else - so longevity is just an indication, one of many things to check.

This company gets their own page 

A few years ago a company (Peecock) bought a prosthesis from me, and then made their own budget version.  Then came their ad compaign and cheap production. 

ignoring them hasn't made them go away. 

influencers rave about it... 

excited commenters (bots?) posts about it...

.... and what's the peecock? 

Their original was a copy of the outer form of the prosthesis they ordered from me, but made with a relatively firm non-stretch silicone. All the important details : shape, material, density/stretch/soft/firm  - ignored.

The peecock "erection" is an object to fill with air. Think beach ball.

You pump the right ball to fill the shaft with air - which sounds like a t2 prosthesis. But the t2 is  stretched to shape and then more pumping to pressurize.

The t2 erection is hard. Think bicycle tire. Also, think erect penis. 

They claim to use medical grade silicone, but 

Silicone based medical adhesive doesn't work with non-medical silicone. 

Water based medical adhesive does, but water based won't work with a genital prosthesis (it's not strong enough, and can't stick when in contact with water - shower, swim, sweat).

There is no reason to advetise use with a water based adhesive, unless your prosthesis is not compatible with silcone based, ie, not medical silicone. 

. and recently I found their pdf instruction sheet and thought I had opened mine. I see what looks like my drawings in form and style - right down to the colours I use for the various parts.  And then read my exact words - line after line, all the silly terms I've made up over the years. 

If anyone reading this wants proof - I can send you a copy of their pdf as well as mine from the time they ordered from me. 

*The prostheses I make are complicated, that's why noone else makes them. To make them less expensive would require high investment in production methods, Investment that would be really hard to get back through sales. I think that's why noone ever reverse engineered my work, especially while I'm still developing the design. 

The t2 prosthesis is made to be worn 24/7, to be part of your body.

It’s not permanently attached to your body, and can always become un-attached.

The prosthesis is made of silicone, phalloplasty is your skin.

A prosthesis is not permanent, it needs to be periodically replaced.

With the prosthesis, though - there’s no surgeries.

No nerve damage. No scars. No risk - and - the prosthesis is always getting better.

a note on erections
With phalloplasty, a pump surgically inserted and periodically surgically re-placed - or you need an external rod which is placed for use. With phalloplasty, the erect state is the same size as the flaccid state. It is more "full' and more firm internally. Once a pump system or rod is inserted, the flaccid is always partly stiff.*

With the t2 Phase_ prosthesis, the penis almost doubles in length, thickens in girth, and the erection is very firm. As the penis grows, the skin stretches thinner.
For added realism, I’ve added veins that are seen and felt when the core stiffens and the skin thins, and a film of coconut oil to let the skin slide, which looks and feels good to the touch and for penetration.

* I receive regular mail from people asking if I can create a sleeve to make their phalloplasty firm enough at erection. I don’t make penis sleeves. I’ve made scrotum only for someone with phalloplasty but no scrotum, I’ve made penis only for someone with scrotoplasty and no phalloplasty.

This project has put a lot of time and effort into having the prostheses paid for by medical insurance companies. But the situation has been getting worse not better.* 

Recently, came a final blow : after a surreal "inspection" the prosthesis are no longer 'medical devices'.

What does this mean?

I may no longer give cost quotes with medical certification or refer to them as having a "medical" use, which means, no clear path to payment through medical insurance. And,

VAT now jumps from reduced rate for medical devices, to the regular rate.

(in Germany, this means VAT from 7%, to 19%, in France from 5.5% to 20%, etc.).

One positive change: This should make international postage easier. (Import/export of medical devices was complicated.) 

This, and other factors have forced me to re-evaluate and change direction (see the Project Present).

Thanks to everyone who shared their ideas, discussions, letters of denial and acceptance from their health insurance companies over the years. And thank you to everyone who went through the process to get them paid for, an then continued to order from me regularly and give me regular feedback. 

To everyone who has had their prosthesis paid for regularly by their medical insurance over the years, and cannot pay out of pocket, I am really sorry - I don't know what else to say to you.

I write to people who have specifically asked to be on an information or contact list. If you've been waiting for cost coverage updates, but were not on my contact list for this, I'm sorry this couldn't work out as planned, and that you are finding out now, like this. If you want to be on an info/ collaboration list for this topic, contact me. 

What happened?

What seems to be changes to the Berlin bureau of health's interpretation of EU law regulating medical devices. (I’ve been following the EU-regulations since it became law in 2022. Prior to that, registered under previous relevant laws - and attitudes change every few years.).

I was given a set of protocols:  For example, I would need to hire people certified to evaluate or perform tests on the chemical level, periodically and for each material I use. I may no longer rely on the tests performed and published by the companies that sell to medical device companies and professionals.

And,

I would need to hire "experts" to perform clinical studies on the effect the device has on people who wear/use them. Which I find amusing at best, disturbing at worst. 

But - They told me that "medical device" in the terms of the EU-MDR is not about what I sell, but about my „intent“. So - This "intent" wording allows me to continue working legally, although no longer as a manufacturer of medical devices:

The prosthesis is not intended to be a medical device in the terms of the EU-MDR.

I have no interest, no intent, nor am I in a position to test, judge or study its effects in medical terms.

The device is not intended to be a replacement body part, but rather, an extra body part.

My intended clients and customers fall under the very broad category of trans+. Being trans+ is in itself not a medical condition.

Some aspects within the broad category of being trans+ do require medical care. For some individuals, a prosthesis of this sort may be categorised as medical care, and it may be argued that it serves a medical purpose for some individuals. My intent however, is not medical in nature nor in purpose :

My intent is to provide a product for a specific clientele. How a person feels about the device psychologically/ physically/ emotionally, is their privat matter.

What about prostheses/ epitheses paid for by medical insurance?

In the past few years, most people in Germany who applied for medical insurance coverage for a t2 Phase_ prosthesis were declined and offered cost coverage for an epithesis instead. 

Epitheses are "custom made devices", so fall under different terms in the EU Medical Device Regulation. (They are formed directly to the body and usually made by people who are officially certified medical profesionals). 

So what's a penis-scrotum epithesis in Germany?

They are solid pieces of silicone, often formed to individual preferences and painted for detail. They sit directly on the contour of an individuals body, and are fairly firm. Last I checked, the price was around 10 000Euro (ten thousand Euro). They are made by anaplastologists (Epithetiker*in), people trained in the art of creating replacement facial parts (for example, after removal due to cancer). Anaplastologists work closely with surgeons. Penis-scrotum epitheses are made to be attached with medical adhesive. 

I find the epitheses that are currently available, are a very rough idea of what they could be. 
For example: Forming a penis and scrotum to fit the contour of a specific person's groin at rest is time consuming, for most- an uncomfortable process. Moreover, I can't imagine why it makes any sense. People walk. With each step the groin surface changes shape, the epithesis remains stiff and pulls away from the body. Also, the groin shouldn't be directly covered : the area gets sweaty, people need to use the toilet, and sex is very limited with an epithesis. 

Also, they need to be much softer so that they are comfortable to wear and more realistic to the touch, "sit" well so that they can stay attached, ... and they should have function. An epithesis (not custom made) was my original inspiration for this project back in 2002.