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{{Short description|Surgical procedures to affirm gender identity}} {{Short description|Surgical procedures to affirm gender identity}}
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{{Transgender sidebar|medicine}} {{Transgender sidebar|medicine}}


'''Sex reassignment surgery''' ('''SRS''') is a ] procedure, or series of procedures, that alters a ] or ] person's physical appearance and ] to resemble those associated with their identified ], and alleviate ]. The term is also sometimes used to describe ]. It is also known as '''gender reassignment surgery '''('''GRS''')''', gender confirmation surgery''' ('''GCS'''), and several ]. '''Gender-affirming surgery''' ('''GAS''') is a ] procedure, or series of procedures, that alters a person's physical appearance and ] to resemble those associated with their identified ]. The phrase is most often associated with ] and ], though many such treatments are also pursued by ] and non-intersex persons. It is also known as '''sex reassignment surgery''' ('''SRS'''), '''gender confirmation surgery''' ('''GCS'''), and several ].


Professional medical organizations have established ], which apply before someone can apply for and receive reassignment surgery, including psychological evaluation, and a period of real-life experience living in the desired gender. Professional medical organizations have established ], which apply before someone can apply for and receive reassignment surgery, including psychological evaluation, and a period of real-life experience living in the desired gender.


] are surgeries that result in anatomy that is typically gendered female, such as ] and ], whereas ] are those that result in anatomy that is typically gendered male, such as ] and ]. ] are surgeries that result in female-looking anatomy, such as ], ] and ]. ] are those that result in male-looking anatomy, such as ] and ].


In addition to SRS, patients may need to follow a lifelong course of ] or ] hormone replacement therapy. In addition to gender-affirming surgery, patients may need to follow a lifelong course of ] or ] hormone replacement therapy to support the endocrine system.


Sweden became the first country in the world to allow transgender people to change their ] post-sex reassignment surgery and provide free gender reassignment treatment in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2009 |title=Sweden has been named the most LGBTQ+ friendly country for travellers |url=https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/sweden-lgbtq-friendly-country/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122025323/https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/sweden-lgbtq-friendly-country/ |archive-date=22 January 2022 |access-date=12 February 2022 |publisher=Trafalgar.com}}</ref> Singapore followed soon after in 1973, being the first in Asia.<ref name="1973SG">{{cite web |last1=Chan |first1=Meng Choo |title=First sex reassignment surgery |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1828_2011-08-04.html |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg |access-date=17 September 2022 |date=4 August 2011}}</ref> ] became the first country in the world to allow transgender people to change their ] after "reassignment surgery" and provide free hormone treatment, in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2009 |title=Sweden has been named the most LGBTQ+ friendly country for travellers |url=https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/sweden-lgbtq-friendly-country/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122025323/https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/sweden-lgbtq-friendly-country/ |archive-date=22 January 2022 |access-date=12 February 2022 |publisher=Trafalgar.com}}</ref> ] followed soon after in 1973, being the first in Asia.<ref name="1973SG">{{Cite web | vauthors = Chan MC |date=4 August 2011 |title=First sex reassignment surgery |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1828_2011-08-04.html |access-date=17 September 2022 | work = National Library Board (NLB) eResources | publisher = Government of Singapore }}</ref>


== Terminology == == Terminology ==
Gender-affirming surgery is known by many other names, including ''gender-affirmation surgery'', ''sex reassignment surgery'', ''gender reassignment surgery'', and ''gender confirmation surgery''.<ref name="ASPS-2017">{{Cite web |title=Gender Confirmation Surgeries |url=https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/gender-confirmation-surgeries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612071848/https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/gender-confirmation-surgeries |archive-date=12 June 2020 |access-date=7 August 2017 | work = American Society of Plastic Surgeons}}</ref> It is also sometimes called a ''sex change'',<ref name="Harrington-2016">{{Cite book | vauthors = Harrington L |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PBMHDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT287 |title=Traversing Gender: Understanding Transgender Realities |date=1 May 2016 |publisher=Mystic Productions Press |isbn=978-1-942733-83-6 |page=287 |oclc=947837700 |access-date=15 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316143005/https://books.google.com/books?id=PBMHDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT287 |archive-date=16 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> though this term is usually considered offensive.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of ''sex change'' |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sex+change |access-date=25 September 2022 | work = Merriam-Webster, Incorporated |language=en}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2023}} ''Top surgery'' and ''bottom surgery'' refer to surgeries on the chest and genitals respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glossary of Transgender Terms |url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/glossary-of-terms-1 |access-date=17 May 2022 | work = Johns Hopkins Medicine |language=en}}</ref>


Some transgender people who want medical assistance to ] from one sex to another identify as "]".<ref name="Bevan">{{Cite book | vauthors = Bevan TE |title=The Psychobiology of Transsexualism and Transgenderism |year=2014 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=978-1-4408-3127-0}}, page 42: "The term transsexual was introduced by Cauldwell (1949) and popularized by Harry Benjamin (1966) . The term transgender was coined by John Oliven (1965) and popularized by various transgender people who pioneered the concept and practice of transgenderism. It is sometimes said that Virginia Prince (1976) popularized the term, but history shows that many transgender people advocated the use of this term much more than Prince."</ref><ref name="Polly">{{cite journal | vauthors = Polly R, Nicole J | title = Understanding the transsexual patient: culturally sensitive care in emergency nursing practice | journal = Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal | volume = 33 | issue = 1 | pages = 55–64 | date = January 2011 | pmid = 21317698 | doi = 10.1097/TME.0b013e3182080ef4 | s2cid = 2481961 }}</ref>
Sex reassignment surgery is known by numerous other names, including ''gender reassignment surgery'', ''gender-affirming surgery'', ''genital reconstruction surgery'', and ''sex realignment surgery.'' The ] uses the term ''gender confirmation surgery'' (GCS), as many transgender people prefer this terminology.<ref name="ASPS-2017">{{Cite web |title=Gender Confirmation Surgeries |url=https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/gender-confirmation-surgeries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612071848/https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/gender-confirmation-surgeries |archive-date=12 June 2020 |access-date=7 August 2017 |website=American Society of Plastic Surgeons}}</ref><ref name="Clements">{{Cite web |last=Clements |first=K.C. |date=19 December 2018 |title=Gender Confirmation (Formerly Reassignment) Surgery: Procedures |url=https://www.healthline.com/health/transgender/gender-confirmation-surgery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111234143/https://www.healthline.com/health/transgender/gender-confirmation-surgery |archive-date=11 November 2020 |access-date=4 December 2020 |website=Healthline |language=en}}</ref> ''Top surgery'' and ''bottom surgery'' refer to surgeries on the chest and genitals respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glossary of Transgender Terms |url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/glossary-of-terms-1 |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org |language=en}}</ref> It is sometimes called a ''sex change,''<ref name="Harrington-2016">{{Cite book |last=Harrington |first=L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PBMHDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT287 |title=Traversing Gender: Understanding Transgender Realities |date=1 May 2016 |publisher=Mystic Productions Press |isbn=978-1-942733-83-6 |page=287 |oclc=947837700 |access-date=15 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316143005/https://books.google.com/books?id=PBMHDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT287 |archive-date=16 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> though this term is usually considered offensive.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of SEX CHANGE |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sex+change |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref>


] and others ] may undergo one or more feminizing procedures: genital surgeries such as ] (removal of the penis), ] (removal of the testes), ] (construction of a vagina), ] (construction of a vulva); as well as ], ] (reduction of the ]), ], and ] among others.
Some transgender people who desire medical assistance to ] from one sex to another identify as ].<ref name="Bevan">{{Cite book |last=Bevan |first=Thomas E. |title=The Psychobiology of Transsexualism and Transgenderism |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-4408-3127-0}}, page 42: "The term transsexual was introduced by Cauldwell (1949) and popularized by Harry Benjamin (1966) . The term transgender was coined by John Oliven (1965) and popularized by various transgender people who pioneered the concept and practice of transgenderism. It is sometimes said that Virginia Prince (1976) popularized the term, but history shows that many transgender people advocated the use of this term much more than Prince."</ref><ref name="Polly">{{Cite journal |last1=Polly |first1=R. |last2=Nicole |first2=J. |date=January 2011 |title=Understanding the transsexual patient: culturally sensitive care in emergency nursing practice |journal=Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal |volume=33 |issue=1 |pages=55–64 |doi=10.1097/TME.0b013e3182080ef4 |pmid=21317698 |s2cid=2481961}}</ref>


] and others ] may undergo one or more masculinizing procedures; such as ], ], ] (removal of the uterus), ] (removal of the ovaries). A penis can be constructed through ] or ], and a ] through ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gender-Affirming Surgery: Masculinizing Options |url=https://www.ohsu.edu/transgender-health/gender-affirming-surgery-masculinizing-options |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425222921/https://www.ohsu.edu/transgender-health/gender-affirming-surgery-masculinizing-options |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date=8 June 2021 | work = Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) }}</ref>
] and others ] may undergo one or more feminizing procedures which result in anatomy that is typically gendered female. These include genital surgeries such as '']'' (removal of the penis), '']'' (removal of the testes), '']'' (construction of a vagina), as well as ], ] (reduction of the ]), ], and ] among others.


As knowledge of ]s expands in the medical community, more surgeons are willing to tailor operations to individual needs. Bigenital operations allow individuals to construct a penis or vagina and retain their original organs. Gender nullification is the removal of all external genitalia except the urethral opening, typically pursued by people assigned male at birth.<ref name="Baum_2022">{{Cite web | vauthors = Baum SE |date=2022-11-14 |title=Trans People Are Seeking Nonbinary Bottom Surgeries |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/4axp3n/trans-people-are-seeking-nonbinary-bottom-surgeries |access-date=2023-09-29 | work = Vice |language=en}}</ref>{{Medical source needed|date=October 2023}}
] and others ] seeking surgery may undergo one or more masculinizing procedures, which include ], ], '']'' (removal of the uterus), '']'' (removal of the ovaries). A penis can be constructed through '']'' or '']'', and a ] through '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gender-Affirming Surgery: Masculinizing Options {{!}} OHSU |url=https://www.ohsu.edu/transgender-health/gender-affirming-surgery-masculinizing-options |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425222921/https://www.ohsu.edu/transgender-health/gender-affirming-surgery-masculinizing-options |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date=8 June 2021 |website=www.ohsu.edu}}</ref>

''Gender-affirming surgery'' can also refer to operations pursued by ] people, such as ], ], or testicular implants following ].<ref name="Schall_2023">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schall TE, Moses JD | title = Gender-Affirming Care for Cisgender People | journal = The Hastings Center Report | volume = 53 | issue = 3 | pages = 15–24 | date = May 2023 | pmid = 37285414 | doi = 10.1002/hast.1486 | s2cid = 259110063 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Gender-affirming surgery is often sensationalized and misrepresented by ] activists through terms such as ''genital-mutilation surgery''.<ref>{{cite journal| vauthors = McClain LC |title="Do Not Ever Refer to My Lord Jesus Christ with Pronouns": Considering Controversies over Religiously Motivated Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-law-and-religion/article/do-not-ever-refer-to-my-lord-jesus-christ-with-pronouns-considering-controversies-over-religiously-motivated-discrimination-on-the-basis-of-gender-identity/01807DD25D8E081017C6ED5D8EF0D681|journal=Journal of Law and Religion|date=27 January 2023|issn=0748-0814|pages=1–9|volume=38|issue=1|doi=10.1017/jlr.2023.1}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Burton JS, Pfeifauf K, Skolnick GB, Sacks JM, Snyder-Warwick AK | title = Determinants of Public Opinion Toward Gender-Affirming Surgery in the United States | journal = Transgender Health | volume = 9 | issue = 3 | pages = 241–253 | date = June 2024 | pmid = 39109263 | pmc = 11299100 | doi = 10.1089/trgh.2022.0119 | pmc-embargo-date = June 17, 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| vauthors = Birenbaum G |access-date=2024-08-15|title=Rand Paul tried to derail Rachel Levine's historic confirmation hearing with transphobic misinformation|url=https://www.vox.com/2021/2/25/22301138/rand-paul-transphobic-confirmation-hearing-dr-rachel-levine|date=25 February 2021| work = Vox }}</ref>


== Surgical procedures == == Surgical procedures ==
{{main|Sex reassignment surgery (male-to-female)|Sex reassignment surgery (female-to-male)}} {{main|Feminizing gender-affirming surgery|Masculinizing gender-affirming surgery}}


=== Genital surgery === === Genital surgery ===
==== Trans women====
{{further|Feminizing gender-affirming surgery#Vaginoplasty}}
For ], genital reconstruction usually involves ]. The most common techniques are ], ] and ] (PPT).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of Sigmoid Colon Vaginoplasty for MtF (Sigmoid Colon SRS) |url=https://www.transgendersurgerythailand.com/blog/an-overview-of-sigmoid-colon-vaginoplasty-for-mtf-sigmoid-colon-srs.html |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=Estetica Thailandia}}</ref> Another technique, the non-penile inversion technique, uses perforated scrotal tissue to construct the vaginal canal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Chettawut's Skin Graft Technique for SRS {{!}} Chettawut Plastic Surgery |url=https://www.chet-plasticsurgery.com/skin-graft-technique-for-srs/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Dr.Chettawut- Sex reassignment and Facial feminization surgery center |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Trans men====
{{further|Masculinizing gender-affirming surgery#Genital reassignment}}
For ], genital reconstruction may involve the construction of a penis through either ] or ].

====Non-binary people====
For ] people, both the same operations as binary trans people of the same ] and bigenital or gender nullification surgeries are available. Bigenital operations include androgynoplasty, a procedure that retains the penis,<ref name="Vincent_2019">{{cite journal | vauthors = Vincent B | title = Breaking down barriers and binaries in trans healthcare: the validation of non-binary people | journal = The International Journal of Transgenderism | volume = 20 | issue = 2–3 | pages = 132–137 | date = 2019-07-03 | pmid = 32999601 | pmc = 6831034 | doi = 10.1080/15532739.2018.1534075 }}</ref> or vagina-preserving phalloplasty.<ref name="Baum_2022" /> These procedures tend to be rarely performed.<ref name="Baum_2022" /> In 2017, one of the leading UK trans surgeons, ], commented that he had never received a request for it.<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Bellringer J |chapter=Surgery for Bodies Commonly Gendered as Male | veditors = Richards C, Bouman WP, Barker MJ | language=en| year=2017| title=Genderqueer and Non-Binary Genders |publisher=Springer |pages=247–263 |doi=10.1057/978-1-137-51053-2_12|isbn=978-1-137-51052-5 }}</ref>


====Other considerations====
The array of medically indicated surgeries differs between ] (male to female) and ] (female to male). For trans women, genital reconstruction usually involves the ], by means of ] or the sigmoid colon neovagina technique; or, more recently, non-penile inversion techniques that make use of scrotal tissue to construct the vaginal canal. For trans men, genital reconstruction may involve construction of a penis through either ] or ]. For both trans women and trans men, genital surgery may also involve other medically necessary ancillary procedures, such as ], ], ] or ]. Complications of penile inversion vaginoplasty are mostly minor; however, rectoneovaginal fistulas (abnormal connections between the neovagina and the rectum) can occur in about 1–3% of patients. These require additional surgery to correct and are often fixed by colorectal surgeons.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gaither |first1=T.W. |last2=Awad |first2=M.A. |last3=Osterberg |first3=E.C. |last4=Murphy |first4=G.P. |last5=Romero |first5=A. |last6=Bowers |first6=M.L. |last7=Breyer |first7=B.N. |date=March 2018 |title=Postoperative Complications following Primary Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty among 330 Male-to-Female Transgender Patients |url=https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3gp4s8p0 |url-status=live |journal=The Journal of Urology |volume=199 |issue=3 |pages=760–765 |doi=10.1016/j.juro.2017.10.013 |pmid=29032297 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311010924/https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3gp4s8p0 |archive-date=11 March 2022 |access-date=23 May 2021 |s2cid=42635923}}</ref>
Genital surgery may also involve other medically necessary procedures, such as ], ], or ]. Complications of penile inversion vaginoplasty are mostly minor; however, rectoneovaginal fistula (abnormal connection between the neovagina and the rectum) can occur in about 1–3% of patients. These require further surgery to correct.<ref name="Gaither_2018">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gaither TW, Awad MA, Osterberg EC, Murphy GP, Romero A, Bowers ML, Breyer BN | title = Postoperative Complications following Primary Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty among 330 Male-to-Female Transgender Patients | journal = The Journal of Urology | volume = 199 | issue = 3 | pages = 760–765 | date = March 2018 | pmid = 29032297 | doi = 10.1016/j.juro.2017.10.013 | url = https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3gp4s8p0 | url-status = live | access-date = 23 May 2021 | s2cid = 42635923 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220311010924/https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3gp4s8p0 | archive-date = 11 March 2022 }}</ref>


=== Other surgeries === === Other surgeries ===
] ], 2020]]


As underscored by WPATH, a medically assisted transition from one sex to another may entail any of a variety of non-genital surgical procedures, any of which are considered "sex reassignment surgery" when performed as part of treatment for gender dysphoria. For trans men, these may include ] (removal of the breasts) and chest reconstruction (the shaping of a male-contoured chest), or ] and ] (removal of ovaries and ]s). For some trans women, ], hair implants, and ] are also aesthetic components of their surgical treatment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Do I Need to Know About the Transitioning Process? |url=https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities/what-do-i-need-know-about-transitioning |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505022744/https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities/what-do-i-need-know-about-transitioning |archive-date=5 May 2019 |access-date=5 May 2019 |website=www.plannedparenthood.org}}</ref> As underscored by WPATH, gender transition may entail a variety of non-genital surgeries that change primary or secondary sex characteristics, any of which are considered "gender-affirming surgery" when done to affirm a person's ].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Coleman E, Radix AE, Bouman WP, Brown GR, de Vries AL, Deutsch MB, Ettner R, Fraser L, Goodman M, Green J, Hancock AB, Johnson TW, Karasic DH, Knudson GA, Leibowitz SF, Meyer-Bahlburg HF, Monstrey SJ, Motmans J, Nahata L, Nieder TO, Reisner SL, Richards C, Schechter LS, Tangpricha V, Tishelman AC, Van Trotsenburg MA, Winter S, Ducheny K, Adams NJ, Adrián TM, Allen LR, Azul D, Bagga H, Başar K, Bathory DS, Belinky JJ, Berg DR, Berli JU, Bluebond-Langner RO, Bouman MB, Bowers ML, Brassard PJ, Byrne J, Capitán L, Cargill CJ, Carswell JM, Chang SC, Chelvakumar G, Corneil T, Dalke KB, De Cuypere G, de Vries E, Den Heijer M, Devor AH, Dhejne C, D'Marco A, Edmiston EK, Edwards-Leeper L, Ehrbar R, Ehrensaft D, Eisfeld J, Elaut E, Erickson-Schroth L, Feldman JL, Fisher AD, Garcia MM, Gijs L, Green SE, Hall BP, Hardy TL, Irwig MS, Jacobs LA, Janssen AC, Johnson K, Klink DT, Kreukels BP, Kuper LE, Kvach EJ, Malouf MA, Massey R, Mazur T, McLachlan C, Morrison SD, Mosser SW, Neira PM, Nygren U, Oates JM, Obedin-Maliver J, Pagkalos G, Patton J, Phanuphak N, Rachlin K, Reed T, Rider GN, Ristori J, Robbins-Cherry S, Roberts SA, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Rosenthal SM, Sabir K, Safer JD, Scheim AI, Seal LJ, Sehoole TJ, Spencer K, St Amand C, Steensma TD, Strang JF, Taylor GB, Tilleman K, T'Sjoen GG, Vala LN, Van Mello NM, Veale JF, Vencill JA, Vincent B, Wesp LM, West MA, Arcelus J | title = Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8 | journal = International Journal of Transgender Health | volume = 23 | issue = Suppl 1 | pages = S1–S259 | date = 19 August 2022 | pmid = 36238954 | pmc = 9553112 | doi = 10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644 }}</ref> For trans men, these may include ] (removal of the breasts) and ] (the shaping of a male-contoured chest), or ] and ] (removal of ovaries and ]s). For some trans women, ], ]s, and ] are also aesthetic components of their surgical treatment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Do I Need to Know About the Transitioning Process? |url=https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities/what-do-i-need-know-about-transitioning |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505022744/https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities/what-do-i-need-know-about-transitioning |archive-date=5 May 2019 |access-date=5 May 2019 | work = Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA) }}</ref>


=== Scope and procedures === === Scope and procedures ===
The best-known gender-affirming procedures are those that reshape the genitals, which are also known as ''genital reassignment surgery'', ''genital reconstruction surgery'', ''sex reassignment surgery,'' and ''bottom surgery'' (the latter is named in contrast to ''top surgery'', which is surgery to the breasts). However, the meaning of "sex reassignment surgery" has been clarified by the medical organization, the ] (WPATH), to include any of a larger number of surgical procedures performed as part of a medical treatment for ].{{update inline|date=December 2022}}<!--Previous text relies on SOC7, not SOC8.-->


The best known of these surgeries are those that reshape the genitals, which are also known as ''genital reassignment surgery'' or ''genital reconstruction surgery'' (GRS)- or ''bottom surgery'' (the latter is named in contrast to ''top surgery'', which is surgery to the breasts; bottom surgery does not refer to surgery on the buttocks in this context). However, the meaning of "sex reassignment surgery" has been clarified by the medical subspecialty organization, the ] (WPATH), to include any of a larger number of surgical procedures performed as part of a medical treatment for "gender dysphoria" or "transsexualism". According to WPATH, medically necessary sex reassignment surgeries include "complete hysterectomy, bilateral mastectomy, chest reconstruction or augmentation ... including breast prostheses if necessary, genital reconstruction (by various techniques which must be appropriate to each patient ...)... and certain facial plastic reconstruction."<ref name="WPATH Clarification">{{Citation |title=Clarification on Medical Necessity of Treatment, sex Reassignment, and Insurance Coverage in the U.S. |url=http://www.wpath.org/documents/Med%20Nec%20on%202008%20Letterhead.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930040306/http://www.wpath.org/documents/Med%20Nec%20on%202008%20Letterhead.pdf |publisher=WPATH |access-date=7 October 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition, other non-surgical procedures are also considered medically necessary treatments by WPATH, including facial hair ].<ref name="WPATH Clarification" /> WPATH says medically necessary gender-affirming surgeries include "complete hysterectomy, bilateral mastectomy, chest reconstruction or augmentation ... including breast prostheses if necessary, genital reconstruction (by various techniques which must be appropriate to each patient ...)... and certain facial plastic reconstruction."<ref name="WPATH Clarification">{{Citation |title=Clarification on Medical Necessity of Treatment, Sex Reassignment, and Insurance Coverage in the U.S. |url=http://www.wpath.org/documents/Med%20Nec%20on%202008%20Letterhead.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930040306/http://www.wpath.org/documents/Med%20Nec%20on%202008%20Letterhead.pdf |publisher=WPATH |access-date=7 October 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2011 }}</ref> Other non-surgical procedures are also considered medically necessary treatments by WPATH, including facial hair ].<ref name="WPATH Clarification" />


Voice feminizing surgery is a procedure in which the overall pitch range of the patients voice is reduced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voice feminizing therapy and surgery - Mayo Clinic |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/voice-feminizing-therapy-and-surgery/about/pac-20470545 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523024145/https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/voice-feminizing-therapy-and-surgery/about/pac-20470545 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=www.mayoclinic.org |language=en}}</ref> Voice feminizing surgery is a procedure in which the overall pitch range of the patient's voice is reduced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voice feminizing therapy and surgery Mayo Clinic |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/voice-feminizing-therapy-and-surgery/about/pac-20470545 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523024145/https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/voice-feminizing-therapy-and-surgery/about/pac-20470545 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 | work = Mayo Clinic |language=en}}</ref>


Adam’s Apple Reduction surgery (]) or tracheal shaving is a procedure in which the most prominent part of the thyroid cartilage is reduced.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cohen |first1=M.B. |last2=Insalaco |first2=L.F. |last3=Tonn |first3=C.R. |last4=Spiegel |first4=J.H. |date=October 2018 |title=Patient Satisfaction after Aesthetic Chondrolaryngoplasty |url=https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/wkh-hps110718.php |journal=Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open |volume=6 |issue=10 |pages=e1877 |doi=10.1097/GOX.0000000000001877 |pmc=6250475 |pmid=30534483}}</ref> Adam's apple reduction surgery (]) or tracheal shaving is a procedure in which the most prominent part of the thyroid cartilage is reduced.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cohen MB, Insalaco LF, Tonn CR, Spiegel JH | title = Patient Satisfaction after Aesthetic Chondrolaryngoplasty | journal = Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open | volume = 6 | issue = 10 | pages = e1877 | date = October 2018 | pmid = 30534483 | pmc = 6250475 | doi = 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001877 }}</ref>


There is also Adam’s Apple Enhancement therapy, in which cartilage is used to bring out the Adam’s apple in female to male patients.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS) |url=https://constructivesurgery.org/ftm-facial-masculinization-surgery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523025647/https://constructivesurgery.org/ftm-facial-masculinization-surgery/ |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=constructivesurgery.org}}</ref> There is also Adam's apple enhancement therapy, in which cartilage is used to bring out the Adam's apple in female-to-male patients.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS) | work = Constructive Surgery |url=https://constructivesurgery.org/ftm-facial-masculinization-surgery/ |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523025647/https://constructivesurgery.org/ftm-facial-masculinization-surgery/ |archive-date=23 May 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2023}}


== History == == History ==
Reports of people seeking gender-confirming surgery (vaginoplasty) go back to the 2nd century, such as Roman Emperor ].<ref name="Smith-Han">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Smith S, Han J |date=1 April 2019 |title=The trans-formation of gender confirming surgery: a brief history |journal=The Journal of Urology |volume=201 |issue=4S |page=e244 |doi=10.1097/01.JU.0000555394.71572.8e |s2cid=149966616|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | veditors = Goldberg AE, Beemyn G |date=2021 |chapter=Ancient and Medieval Times |title=The SAGE Encyclopedia of Trans Studies |publisher=SAGE Publishing |page=32 |doi=10.4135/9781544393858.n188 |isbn=978-1-5443-9381-0 |s2cid=242422061}}</ref>


=== 20th century === === 20th century ===
In the US in 1917, ], an American tuberculosis specialist, became one of the first trans men to undergo ] and ] as treatment of what is now called gender dysphoria.<ref name="Munro_20182">{{Cite web |last=Munro |first=D. |title=Trans Media Watch |url=http://www.transmediawatch.org/timeline.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218150249/http://transmediawatch.org/timeline.html |archive-date=18 December 2019 |access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref> In the US in 1917, ], an American tuberculosis specialist, became one of the first trans men to undergo ] and ] as treatment of what is now called gender dysphoria.<ref name="Munro_20182">{{Cite web | vauthors = Munro D |title=Trans Media Watch |url=http://www.transmediawatch.org/timeline.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218150249/http://transmediawatch.org/timeline.html |archive-date=18 December 2019 |access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref>


] is the first known trans woman to undergo complete male-to-female genital surgery. She was one of several transgender people in the care of sexologist ] at Berlin's ]. In 1922, Richter underwent orchiectomy. In early 1931, a penectomy, followed in June by vaginoplasty.<ref name="Munro_20182"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mancini |first1=E. |date=8 November 2010 |title=Magnus Hirschfeld and the Quest for Sexual Freedom: A History of the First International Sexual Freedom Movement |website=] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mWXFAAAAQBAJ&q=Dora+Richter+1930+Hirschfeld&pg=PA70 |access-date=May 14, 2016 |isbn=9780230114395}}</ref> Richter is presumed to have died in May 1933, when Nazis attacked the institute and destroyed its records, but her exact fate is not known.<ref name="Providentia">{{cite news |date=December 5, 2010 |title=Dorchen's Day – Providentia |website=drvitelli.typepad.com |url=http://drvitelli.typepad.com/providentia/2010/12/dorchens-story.html |access-date=February 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaye |first1=Hugh |date=November 16, 2021 |title=The incredible story of the first known trans woman to undergo gender confirmation surgery |work=Attitude |url=https://www.attitude.co.uk/article/the-incredible-story-of-the-first-known-trans-woman-to-undergo-gender-confirmation-surgery-1/26195/ |access-date=January 31, 2022}}</ref> ] is the first known trans woman to undergo complete male-to-female genital surgery. She was one of several transgender people in the care of sexologist ] at Berlin's ]. In 1922, Richter underwent orchiectomy. In early 1931, a penectomy, followed in June by vaginoplasty.<ref name="Munro_20182" /><ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Mancini E |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mWXFAAAAQBAJ&q=Dora+Richter+1930+Hirschfeld&pg=PA70 |title=Magnus Hirschfeld and the Quest for Sexual Freedom: A History of the First International Sexual Freedom Movement |date=8 November 2010 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-0-230-11439-5 |edition=1st |location=New York |oclc=696313936}}</ref>


Between 1930 and 1931, ] underwent four sex reassignment surgeries, including orchiectomy, an ], and penectomy. In June 1931, she underwent her fourth surgery, including an experimental ] and vaginoplasty, which she hoped would allow her to give birth. However, her body rejected the transplanted uterus, and she died of post-operative complications in September, at age 48.<ref name="Harrod, 2015">{{cite news |last1=Harrod |first1=Horatia |date=8 December 2015 |title=The tragic true story behind ''The Danish Girl'' |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-danish-girl/true-story-lili-elbe-transgender/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421213437/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-danish-girl/true-story-lili-elbe-transgender/ |archive-date=21 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 September 2015 |title=Lili Elbe |url=https://www.biography.com/artist/lili-elbe |archive-date=9 March 2021 |access-date=25 September 2022 |website=Biography}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ministry.16778 |title=Man into Woman |year=1933 |editor-last=Hoyer |editor-first=Niels |page=128}}</ref> In 1930-1931, ] underwent four sex reassignment surgeries, including orchiectomy, an ], and penectomy. In June 1931, she underwent her fourth surgery, including an experimental ] and vaginoplasty, which she hoped would allow her to give birth. However, her body rejected the transplanted uterus, and she died of post-operative complications in September, at age 48.<ref name="Harrod, 2015">{{Cite news | vauthors = Harrod H |date=8 December 2015 |title=The tragic true story behind ''The Danish Girl'' |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-danish-girl/true-story-lili-elbe-transgender/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421213437/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/the-danish-girl/true-story-lili-elbe-transgender/ |archive-date=21 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 September 2015 |title=Lili Elbe |url=https://www.biography.com/artist/lili-elbe |access-date=25 September 2022 |website=Biography.com }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.ministry.16778 |title=Man into Woman: an authentic record of a change of sex | location = London | publisher = Jarrold Publisher's |year=1933 | veditors = Hoyer N |page=128}}</ref>


A previous SRS patient was Magnus Hirschfeld's ],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hirschfeld |first=Magnus |title=Zeitschrift für Sexualwissenschaft |year=1908 |author-link=Magnus Hirschfeld}}</ref> but their name has not been discovered. A previous sex reassignment surgery patient was Magnus Hirschfeld's ],<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Hirschfeld M |title=Zeitschrift für Sexualwissenschaft |year=1908 |author-link=Magnus Hirschfeld}}</ref> but their name has not been discovered.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}


] may have been the first U.S. surgeon to perform gender affirmation surgery, in about 1950.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Meyerowitz |first=Joanne |title=How Sex Changed: A History of Transsexuality in the United States |publisher=Harvard University Press |year=2002 |page=214}}</ref> ] may have been the first U.S. surgeon to perform gender affirmation surgery, in about 1950.<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Meyerowitz J |title=How Sex Changed: A History of Transsexuality in the United States |publisher=Harvard University Press |year=2002 |page=214}}</ref>


In 1951, ], a plastic surgeon active in World War II, worked to develop the first technique for ], producing a technique that has become a modern standard, called ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roach |first=M. |date=18 March 2007 |title=Girls Will Be Boys |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/books/review/Roach.t.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505010658/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/books/review/Roach.t.html |archive-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> Phalloplasty is a cosmetic procedure that produces a visual penis out of grafted tissue from the patient. In 1951, ], a plastic surgeon active in World War II, worked to develop the first technique for ], producing a technique that has become a modern standard, called ].<ref>{{Cite news | vauthors = Roach M |date=18 March 2007 |title=Girls Will Be Boys |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/books/review/Roach.t.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505010658/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/books/review/Roach.t.html |archive-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> Phalloplasty is a cosmetic procedure that produces a visual penis out of grafted tissue from the patient.


In 1971, ] performed Brazil's first male-to-female gender-affirming surgery.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Monstro, prostituta, bichinha': como a Justiça condenou a 1ª cirurgia de mudança de sexo do Brasil |language=pt-BR |work=BBC News Brasil |url=https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/geral-43561187 |access-date=2023-10-25}}</ref>
Following phalloplasty, in 1999, the procedure for ] was developed for female-to-male surgical transition by the doctors Lebovic and Laub.<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal |last1=Djordjevic |first1=M.L. |last2=Stanojevic |first2=D. |last3=Bizic |first3=M. |last4=Kojovic |first4=V. |last5=Majstorovic |first5=M. |last6=Vujovic |first6=S. |last7=Milosevic |first7=A. |last8=Korac |first8=G. |last9=Perovic |first9=S.V. |display-authors=6 |date=May 2009 |title=Metoidioplasty as a single stage sex reassignment surgery in female transsexuals: Belgrade experience |journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine |volume=6 |issue=5 |pages=1306–13 |doi=10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01065.x |pmid=19175859}}</ref> Considered a variant of phalloplasty, metoidioplasty works to create a penis out of the patient's present clitoris. This allows the patient to have a sensation-perceiving penis head.<ref name=":02" /> Metoidioplasty may be used in conjunction with phalloplasty to produce a larger, more "]-appearing" penis in multiple stages.<ref name=":02" />

In ], ] developed a new surgical technique, which he used in surgeries for more than 500 ] in Brazil and from around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-22 |title=<nowiki>}} Revista Tpm</nowiki> |url=http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/75/perfil_luciana/02.htm |access-date=2023-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322030230/http://revistatpm.uol.com.br/75/perfil_luciana/02.htm |archive-date=22 March 2014 }}</ref>

Following phalloplasty, in 1999, the procedure for ] was developed for female-to-male surgical transition by the doctors Lebovic and Laub.<ref name="Djordjevic_2009">{{cite journal | vauthors = Djordjevic ML, Stanojevic D, Bizic M, Kojovic V, Majstorovic M, Vujovic S, Milosevic A, Korac G, Perovic SV | title = Metoidioplasty as a single stage sex reassignment surgery in female transsexuals: Belgrade experience | journal = The Journal of Sexual Medicine | volume = 6 | issue = 5 | pages = 1306–1313 | date = May 2009 | pmid = 19175859 | doi = 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01065.x }}</ref> Considered a variant of phalloplasty, metoidioplasty works to create a penis out of the patient's present clitoris. This allows the patient to have a sensation-perceiving penis head.<ref name="Djordjevic_2009" /> Metoidioplasty may be used in conjunction with phalloplasty to produce a larger, more "]-appearing" penis in multiple stages.<ref name="Djordjevic_2009" />


=== 21st century === === 21st century ===
On 12 June 2003, the ] ruled in favor of Carola van Kück, a German trans woman whose insurance company denied her reimbursement for sex reassignment surgery as well as ]. The legal arguments related to the ] as well as the ]. This affair is referred to as ''van Kück vs Germany''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2003 |title=European Court of Human Rights - Third Section - Case of Van Kück v. Germany |url=https://www.menschenrechte.ac.at/orig/03_3/Kuck.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309041447/https://www.menschenrechte.ac.at/orig/03_3/Kuck.pdf |archive-date=9 March 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=menschenrechte.ac.at}}</ref> On 12 June 2003, the ] ruled in favor of Carola van Kück, a German trans woman whose insurance company denied her reimbursement for sex reassignment surgery as well as ]. The legal arguments related to the ] as well as the ]. This affair is called ''van Kück vs Germany''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2003 |title=European Court of Human Rights Third Section Case of Van Kück v. Germany |url=https://www.menschenrechte.ac.at/orig/03_3/Kuck.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309041447/https://www.menschenrechte.ac.at/orig/03_3/Kuck.pdf |archive-date=9 March 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 | work = Österreichisches Institut für Menschenrechtet | trans-work = Austrian Institute for Human Rights }}</ref>


In 2011, ] won the first successful case brought by an ] person against a surgeon for non-consensual surgical intervention described by the ] as "an example of an individual who was subjected to sex reassignment surgery without full knowledge or consent".<ref name="icj2">{{Cite web |last=International Commission of Jurists |title=SOGI Casebook Introduction, Chapter six: Intersex |url=http://www.icj.org/sogi-casebook-introduction/chapter-six-intersex/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507231116/https://www.icj.org/sogi-casebook-introduction/chapter-six-intersex/ |archive-date=7 May 2019 |access-date=27 December 2015}}</ref> In 2011, ] won the first successful case brought by an ] person against a surgeon for non-consensual surgical intervention described by the ] as "an example of an individual who was subjected to sex reassignment surgery without full knowledge or consent".<ref name="icj2">{{Cite web |last=International Commission of Jurists |title=SOGI Casebook Introduction, Chapter six: Intersex |url=http://www.icj.org/sogi-casebook-introduction/chapter-six-intersex/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507231116/https://www.icj.org/sogi-casebook-introduction/chapter-six-intersex/ |archive-date=7 May 2019 |access-date=27 December 2015}}</ref>


{{As of|2017|post=,}} some European countries require forced sterilization for the legal recognition of sex reassignment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=M.H. |date=1 September 2017 |title=Why transgender people are being sterilized in some European countries |newspaper=] |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2017/09/economist-explains |url-status=live |access-date=2 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901233033/https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2017/09/economist-explains |archive-date=1 September 2017}}</ref> {{As of|2020|}}, Japan also requires an individual to undergo sterilization to change their legal sex.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=19 March 2019 |title=A Really High Hurdle |language=en |work=Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/19/really-high-hurdle/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process |url-status=live |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022154815/https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/19/really-high-hurdle/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process |archive-date=22 October 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2017|post=,}} some European countries require forced sterilization for the legal recognition of sex reassignment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=M.H. |date=1 September 2017 |title=Why transgender people are being sterilized in some European countries |newspaper=] |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2017/09/economist-explains |url-status=live |access-date=2 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901233033/https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2017/09/economist-explains |archive-date=1 September 2017}}</ref> {{As of|2020|}}, Japan also requires an individual to undergo sterilization to change their legal sex.<ref name="Human_Rights Watch_2019">{{Cite news |date=19 March 2019 |title=A Really High Hurdle |language=en |work=Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/19/really-high-hurdle/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process |url-status=live |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022154815/https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/19/really-high-hurdle/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process |archive-date=22 October 2020}}</ref>


The early history of sex reassignment surgery in transgender people has been reviewed by various authors.<ref name="pmid4902840">{{Cite journal |last1=Edgerton |first1=M.T. |last2=Knorr |first2=N.J. |last3=Callison |first3=J.R. |date=January 1970 |title=The surgical treatment of transsexual patients. Limitations and indications |journal=Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=38–46 |doi=10.1097/00006534-197001000-00006 |pmid=4902840 |s2cid=27318408}}</ref><ref name="pmid5726922">{{Cite journal |last1=Hoopes J.E. |last2=Knorr N.J. |last3=Wolf |first3=S.R. |date=November 1968 |title=Transsexualism: considerations regarding sexual reassignment |journal=The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease |volume=147 |issue=5 |pages=510–6 |doi=10.1097/00005053-196811000-00007 |pmid=5726922 |s2cid=22252676}}</ref> The early history of gender-affirming surgery in trans people has been reviewed by various authors.<ref name="pmid4902840">{{cite journal | vauthors = Edgerton MT, Knorr NJ, Callison JR | title = The surgical treatment of transsexual patients. Limitations and indications | journal = Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | volume = 45 | issue = 1 | pages = 38–46 | date = January 1970 | pmid = 4902840 | doi = 10.1097/00006534-197001000-00006 | s2cid = 27318408 }}</ref><ref name="pmid5726922">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hoopes JE, Knorr NJ, Wolf SR | title = Transsexualism: considerations regarding sexual reassignment | journal = The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease | volume = 147 | issue = 5 | pages = 510–516 | date = November 1968 | pmid = 5726922 | doi = 10.1097/00005053-196811000-00007 | s2cid = 22252676 }}</ref>


== Prevalence == == Prevalence ==
The prevalence of transgender-related surgeries is difficult to measure and likely underestimated. In 2015, the largest survey of ] reported that 25% of respondents reported having undergone such a surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Nolan |first1=Ian T. |last2=Kuhner |first2=Christopher J. |last3=Dy |first3=Geolani W. |year=2019 |title=Demographic and temporal trends in transgender identities and gender confirming surgery |url=https://tau.amegroups.com/article/view/25593 |url-status=live |journal=Translational Andrology and Urology |language=en |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=18490–18190 |doi=10.21037/tau.2019.04.09 |issn=2223-4691 |pmc=6626314 |pmid=31380225 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120013143/https://tau.amegroups.com/article/view/25593 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |access-date=20 January 2022}}</ref> The prevalence of transgender-related surgeries is difficult to measure and likely underestimated. In 2015, the largest survey of transgender people in the United States reported that 25% of respondents reported had undergone such a surgery.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nolan IT, Kuhner CJ, Dy GW | title = Demographic and temporal trends in transgender identities and gender confirming surgery | journal = Translational Andrology and Urology | volume = 8 | issue = 3 | pages = 184–190 | date = June 2019 | pmid = 31380225 | pmc = 6626314 | doi = 10.21037/tau.2019.04.09 | doi-access = free }}</ref>


== Prior to surgery == == Prior to surgery ==


=== Medical considerations === === Medical considerations ===
Some transgender persons present with health conditions including ], ], and ], which can lead to complications with future therapy and pharmacological management.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bishop |first=B.M. |date=December 2015 |title=Pharmacotherapy Considerations in the Management of Transgender Patients: A Brief Review |journal=Pharmacotherapy |volume=35 |issue=12 |pages=1130–9 |doi=10.1002/phar.1668 |pmid=26684553 |s2cid=37001563}}</ref> Typical SRS procedures involve complex medication regimens, including ], throughout and after surgery. Typically, a patient's treatment involves a healthcare team consisting of a variety of providers including ], whom the surgeon may consult when determining if the patient is physically fit for surgery.<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal |last=Hage |first=J.J. |date=January 1995 |title=Medical requirements and consequences of sex reassignment surgery |journal=Medicine, Science, and the Law |volume=35 |issue=1 |pages=17–24 |doi=10.1177/002580249503500105 |pmid=7877467 |s2cid=22752221}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bizic |first1=M.R. |last2=Jeftovic |first2=M. |last3=Pusica |first3=S. |last4=Stojanovic |first4=B. |last5=Duisin |first5=D. |last6=Vujovic |first6=S. |last7=Rakic |first7=V. |last8=Djordjevic |first8=M.L. |display-authors=6 |date=13 June 2018 |title=Gender Dysphoria: Bioethical Aspects of Medical Treatment |journal=BioMed Research International |volume=2018 |page=9652305 |doi=10.1155/2018/9652305 |pmc=6020665 |pmid=30009180 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Health providers including ]s can play a role in maintaining safe and cost-effective regimens, providing patient education, and addressing other health issues including smoking cessation and weight loss.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Redfern |first1=J.S. |last2=Jann |first2=M.W. |date=April 2019 |title=The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in Transgender Health Care |journal=Transgender Health |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=118–130 |doi=10.1089/trgh.2018.0038 |pmc=6608700 |pmid=31289749}}</ref> Some medical conditions, including ], ], and HIV, can lead to complications with future therapy and pharmacological management.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bishop BM | title = Pharmacotherapy Considerations in the Management of Transgender Patients: A Brief Review | journal = Pharmacotherapy | volume = 35 | issue = 12 | pages = 1130–1139 | date = December 2015 | pmid = 26684553 | doi = 10.1002/phar.1668 | s2cid = 37001563 }}</ref> Typical gender-affirming surgery procedures involve complex medication regimens, including ], throughout and after surgery. Typically, a patient's treatment involves a healthcare team consisting of a variety of providers including ], whom the surgeon may consult when determining if the patient is physically fit for surgery.<ref name="Hage_1995">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hage JJ | title = Medical requirements and consequences of sex reassignment surgery | journal = Medicine, Science, and the Law | volume = 35 | issue = 1 | pages = 17–24 | date = January 1995 | pmid = 7877467 | doi = 10.1177/002580249503500105 | s2cid = 22752221 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bizic MR, Jeftovic M, Pusica S, Stojanovic B, Duisin D, Vujovic S, Rakic V, Djordjevic ML | title = Gender Dysphoria: Bioethical Aspects of Medical Treatment | journal = BioMed Research International | volume = 2018 | pages = 9652305 | date = 13 June 2018 | pmid = 30009180 | pmc = 6020665 | doi = 10.1155/2018/9652305 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Health providers including pharmacists can play a role in maintaining safe and cost-effective regimens, providing patient education, and addressing other health issues including smoking cessation and weight loss.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Redfern JS, Jann MW | title = The Evolving Role of Pharmacists in Transgender Health Care | journal = Transgender Health | volume = 4 | issue = 1 | pages = 118–130 | date = April 2019 | pmid = 31289749 | pmc = 6608700 | doi = 10.1089/trgh.2018.0038 }}</ref>


People with ] or ] may have difficulty finding a surgeon able to perform successful surgery. Many surgeons operate in small private clinics that cannot treat potential complications in these populations. Some surgeons charge higher fees for HIV and hepatitis C-positive patients; other medical professionals assert that it is unethical to deny surgical or hormonal treatments to transgender people solely on the basis of their HIV or hepatitis status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Standards of Care - WPATH World Professional Association for Transgender Health |url=https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814230505/http://www.wpath.org/uploaded_files/140/files/Standards%20of%20Care%2C%20V7%20Full%20Book.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2015 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=www.wpath.org}}</ref> People with HIV or ] may have difficulty finding a surgeon able to perform successful surgery. Many surgeons operate in small private clinics that cannot treat potential complications in these populations. Some surgeons charge higher fees for HIV and hepatitis C-positive patients; other medical professionals assert that it is unethical to deny surgical or hormonal treatments to transgender people solely on the basis of their HIV or hepatitis status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Standards of Care | work = WPATH World Professional Association for Transgender Health |url=https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814230505/http://www.wpath.org/uploaded_files/140/files/Standards%20of%20Care%2C%20V7%20Full%20Book.pdf |archive-date=14 August 2015 |access-date=23 May 2021 }}</ref>


Fertility is also a factor considered in SRS, as patients are typically informed that if an orchiectomy or oöphoro-hysterectomy is performed, it might make them irreversibly infertile.<ref name=":13" /> Fertility is also a factor considered in gender-affirming surgery, as patients are typically informed that if an orchiectomy or oöphoro-hysterectomy is performed, it will make them irreversibly infertile.<ref name="Hage_1995" />


=== Gender dysphoric children === === Gender dysphoric children ===
Sex reassignment surgery is generally not performed on children under 18, though in rare cases may be performed on adolescents if health care providers agree there is an unusual benefit to doing so or risk to not performing it.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rafferty |first1=Jason |last2=COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH |last3=COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE |last4=Section On Lesbian |first4=GAY |year=2018 |title=Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents |url=https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 |url-status=live |journal=Pediatrics |volume=142 |issue=4 |pages=e20182162 |doi=10.1542/peds.2018-2162 |pmid=30224363 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719160901/https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 |archive-date=19 July 2019 |access-date=23 July 2021 |doi-access=free |s2cid=52288840}}</ref> Preferred treatments for children include ], which are thought to have some reversible physical changes,<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2018 |title=Gender dysphoria treatment |url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102135038/http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gender-dysphoria/Pages/Treatment.aspx |archive-date=2 November 2013 |access-date=27 August 2021 |website=National Health Service}}</ref> and sex hormones, which reduce the need for future surgery. Medical protocols typically require long-term mental health counseling to verify persistent and genuine ] before any intervention, and consent of a parent or guardian or court order is legally required in most jurisdictions.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}} Gender-affirming surgery is generally not performed on children under 18, though in rare cases may be performed on adolescents if health care providers agree there is an unusual benefit to doing so or risk to not performing it.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rafferty J | title = Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents | journal = Pediatrics | volume = 142 | issue = 4 | pages = e20182162 | date = October 2018 | pmid = 30224363 | doi = 10.1542/peds.2018-2162 | url = https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 | url-status = live | access-date = 23 July 2021 | s2cid = 52288840 | doi-access = free | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190719160901/https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/4/e20182162 | archive-date = 19 July 2019 }}</ref> Preferred treatments for children include ], which are thought to have some reversible physical changes,<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2018 |title=Gender dysphoria treatment |url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102135038/http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Gender-dysphoria/Pages/Treatment.aspx |archive-date=2 November 2013 |access-date=27 August 2021 | location = U.K. | work = National Health Service}}</ref> and sex hormones, which reduce the need for future surgery. Medical protocols typically require long-term mental health counseling to verify persistent and genuine ] before any intervention, and consent of a parent or guardian or court order is legally required in most jurisdictions.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}


=== Intersex children and cases of trauma === === Intersex children and cases of trauma ===
{{main|Sex assignment#Assignment in cases of infants with intersex traits, or cases of trauma}} {{main|Sex assignment#Assignment in cases of infants with intersex traits, or cases of trauma}}


Infants born with intersex conditions might undergo interventions at or close to birth<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Bradley |first1=S.J. |last2=Oliver |first2=G.D. |last3=Chernick |first3=A.B. |last4=Zucker |first4=K.J. |date=July 1998 |title=Experiment of nurture: ablatio penis at 2 months, sex reassignment at 7 months, and a psychosexual follow-up in young adulthood |journal=Pediatrics |volume=102 |issue=1 |pages=e9 |doi=10.1542/peds.102.1.e9 |pmid=9651461 |doi-access=free}}</ref> This is controversial because of the ] implications.<ref name="un-fact">{{Cite conference |last1=United Nations |last2=Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights |date=2015 |title=Free & Equal Campaign Fact Sheet: Intersex |url=https://unfe.org/system/unfe-65-Intersex_Factsheet_ENGLISH.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071043/https://unfe.org/system/unfe-65-Intersex_Factsheet_ENGLISH.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="coe">{{Citation |last1=Council of Europe |title=Human rights and intersex people, Issue Paper |date=April 2015 |url=https://rm.coe.int/16806da5d4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121014309/https://rm.coe.int/16806da5d4 |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2022 |last2=Commissioner for Human Rights |author-link=Council of Europe |url-status=live}}</ref> Infants born with intersex conditions might undergo interventions at or close to birth.<ref name="Bradley_1998">{{cite journal | vauthors = Bradley SJ, Oliver GD, Chernick AB, Zucker KJ | title = Experiment of nurture: ablatio penis at 2 months, sex reassignment at 7 months, and a psychosexual follow-up in young adulthood | journal = Pediatrics | volume = 102 | issue = 1 | pages = e9 | date = July 1998 | pmid = 9651461 | doi = 10.1542/peds.102.1.e9 | s2cid = 7364636 | doi-access = }}</ref> This is controversial because of the ] implications.<ref name="un-fact">{{Cite conference |last1=United Nations |last2=Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights |date=2015 |title=Free & Equal Campaign Fact Sheet: Intersex |url=https://unfe.org/system/unfe-65-Intersex_Factsheet_ENGLISH.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071043/https://unfe.org/system/unfe-65-Intersex_Factsheet_ENGLISH.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="coe">{{Citation |last1=Council of Europe |title=Human rights and intersex people, Issue Paper |date=April 2015 |url=https://rm.coe.int/16806da5d4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121014309/https://rm.coe.int/16806da5d4 |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2022 |last2=Commissioner for Human Rights |author-link=Council of Europe |url-status=live}}</ref>


Catastrophic outcomes (including ] and suicide) can occur when the surgically assigned gender does not match the individual's gender identity, which will only be realized by the individual later in life.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Boyle |first=G.J. |title=Transgenders and Intersexuals |publisher=Fast Lane (imprint of East Street Publications |year=2005 |isbn=9-780975-114544 |editor-last=May |editor-first=L. |location=Bowden, South Australia |pages=95–100 |chapter=The scandal of genital mutilation surgery on infants}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Colapinto |first=John |title=As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl |title-link=As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl |publisher=Harper Collins Publishers |year=2002 |isbn=9-780732-274337 |location=Sydney |author-link=John Colapinto}}</ref><ref name="si">{{Cite web |last=Diamond |first=M. |date=6 November 2009 |title=Sexual Identity, Monozygotic Twins Reared in Discordant Sex Roles and a BBC Follow-Up |url=http://www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/biblio/articles/1961to1999/1982-sexual-identity.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830075115/http://www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/biblio/articles/1961to1999/1982-sexual-identity.html |archive-date=30 August 2019 |access-date=1 August 2011 |website=hawaii.edu}}</ref> ] at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, ] recommended that physicians do not perform surgery on children until they are old enough to give informed consent and to assign such infants in the gender to which they will probably best adjust. Diamond believed introducing children to others with differences of sex development could help remove shame and stigma. Diamond considered the intersex condition as a difference of sex development, not as a ].<ref name="moi">{{Cite journal |last1=Diamond |first1=M. |last2=Sigmundson |first2=H.K. |date=October 1997 |title=Management of intersexuality. Guidelines for dealing with persons with ambiguous genitalia |journal=Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine |volume=151 |issue=10 |pages=1046–50 |doi=10.1001/archpedi.1997.02170470080015 |pmid=9343018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Diamond |first1=M. |last2=Beh |first2=H.G. |date=January 2008 |title=Changes in the management of children with intersex conditions |journal=Nature Clinical Practice. Endocrinology & Metabolism |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=4–5 |doi=10.1038/ncpendmet0694 |pmid=17984980 |hdl-access=free |s2cid=13382948 |hdl=10125/66380}}</ref> There can be negative outcomes (including ] and suicide) when the surgically assigned gender does not match the person's gender identity, which will be realized by the person only later in life.<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Boyle GJ |title=Transgenders and Intersexuals |publisher=Fast Lane (imprint of East Street Publications |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-9751145-4-4 | veditors = May L |location=Bowden, South Australia |pages=95–100 |chapter=The scandal of genital mutilation surgery on infants}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Colapinto J |title=As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl |title-link=As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl |publisher=Harper Collins Publishers |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-7322-7433-7 |location=Sydney |author-link=John Colapinto}}</ref><ref name="si">{{Cite web | vauthors = Diamond M |date=6 November 2009 |title=Sexual Identity, Monozygotic Twins Reared in Discordant Sex Roles and a BBC Follow-Up |url=http://www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/biblio/articles/1961to1999/1982-sexual-identity.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830075115/http://www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/biblio/articles/1961to1999/1982-sexual-identity.html |archive-date=30 August 2019 |access-date=1 August 2011 | work = University of Hawaiʻi }}</ref>{{Cn|date=November 2022}} ] at the ], ] recommended that physicians not perform surgery on children until they are old enough to give informed consent and to assign such infants in the gender to which they will probably best adjust. Diamond believed introducing children to others with differences of sex development could help remove shame and stigma. Diamond considered the intersex condition as a difference of sex development, not as a ].<ref name="moi">{{cite journal | vauthors = Diamond M, Sigmundson HK | title = Management of intersexuality. Guidelines for dealing with persons with ambiguous genitalia | journal = Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine | volume = 151 | issue = 10 | pages = 1046–1050 | date = October 1997 | pmid = 9343018 | doi = 10.1001/archpedi.1997.02170470080015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Diamond M, Beh HG | title = Changes in the management of children with intersex conditions | journal = Nature Clinical Practice. Endocrinology & Metabolism | volume = 4 | issue = 1 | pages = 4–5 | date = January 2008 | pmid = 17984980 | doi = 10.1038/ncpendmet0694 | hdl-access = free | s2cid = 13382948 | hdl = 10125/66380 }}</ref>


=== Standards of care === === Standards of care ===
{{See also|Transgender rights}} {{See also|Transgender rights}}


Sex reassignment surgery can be difficult to obtain due to financial barriers, insurance coverage, and lack of providers. An increasing number of surgeons are now training to perform such surgeries. In many regions, an individual's pursuit of SRS is often governed, or at least guided, by documents called ] (SOC). The most widespread SOC in this field is published and frequently revised by the ] (WPATH, formerly the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association or HBIGDA). Many jurisdictions and medical boards in the United States and other countries recognize the WPATH Standards of Care for the treatment of transgender individuals. Some treatment may require a minimum duration of ] and living as a member of the target gender full-time, sometimes called the real life experience (RLE) (sometimes mistakenly referred to as the real life test (RLT)) before sex reassignment surgeries are covered by insurance.{{Citation needed|date=March 2019}} Gender-affirming surgery can be hard to obtain due to financial barriers, insurance coverage, and lack of providers. A growing number of surgeons are now training to perform such surgeries. In many regions, a person's pursuit of gender-affirming surgery is often governed, or at least guided, by documents called ] (SOC). The most widespread SOC in this field is published and often revised by the ] (WPATH, formerly the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association or HBIGDA). Many jurisdictions and medical boards in the US and other countries recognize the WPATH Standards of Care for the treatment of transgender individuals. Some treatment may require a minimum duration of ] and living as a member of the target gender full-time, sometimes called the real life experience (RLE) (sometimes mistakenly called the real life test ) before sex reassignment surgeries are covered by insurance.{{Citation needed|date=March 2019}}


Standards of Care usually give certain very specific "minimum" requirements as guidelines for progressing with treatment, causing them to be highly controversial and often maligned documents among transgender patients seeking surgery. Alternative local standards of care exist, such as in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Much of the criticism surrounding the WPATH/HBIGDA-SOC applies to these as well, and some of these SOCs (mostly European SOC) are actually based on much older versions of the WPATH SOC. Other SOCs are entirely independent of the WPATH. The criteria of many of those SOCs are stricter than the latest revision of the WPATH-SOC. Many qualified surgeons in North America and many in Europe adhere almost unswervingly to the WPATH SOC or other SOCs. However, in the United States many experienced surgeons are able to apply the WPATH SOC in ways which respond to an individual's medical circumstances, as is consistent with the SOC.{{Citation needed|date=March 2019}} Standards of Care usually give certain very specific "minimum" requirements as guidelines for progressing with treatment, causing them to be highly controversial and often maligned documents among transgender patients seeking surgery. Alternative local standards of care exist, such as in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Much of the criticism surrounding the WPATH/HBIGDA-SOC applies to these as well, and some of these SOCs (mostly European SOC) are actually based on much older versions of the WPATH SOC. Other SOCs are entirely independent of the WPATH. The criteria of many of those SOCs are stricter than the latest revision of the WPATH-SOC. Many qualified surgeons in North America and many in Europe adhere almost unswervingly to the WPATH SOC or other SOCs. However, in the United States many experienced surgeons are able to apply the WPATH SOC in ways which respond to an individual's medical circumstances, as is consistent with the SOC.{{Citation needed|date=March 2019}}


Many surgeons require two letters of recommendation for sex reassignment surgery. At least one of these letters must be from a mental health professional experienced in diagnosing gender identity disorder (now recognized as ]), who has known the patient for over a year. Letters must state that sex reassignment surgery is the correct course of treatment for the patient.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weber-Main |first=Anne Marie |date=July 2012 |editor-last=Fall |editor-first=Heidi |title=Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People (Version 7) |url=http://www.wpath.org/documents/SOC%20V7%2003-17-12.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920085610/http://www.wpath.org/documents/SOC%20V7%2003-17-12.pdf |archive-date=20 September 2012 |access-date=31 October 2013 |website=wpath.org |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2003 |title=WPATH Standards of Care |url=http://www.tssurgeryguide.com/WPATH-standards-of-care.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901020629/http://www.tssurgeryguide.com/WPATH-standards-of-care.html |archive-date=1 September 2014 |access-date=11 August 2014 |publisher=Tssurgeryguide.com}}</ref> Many surgeons require two letters of recommendation for gender-affirming surgery. At least one of these letters must be from a mental health professional experienced in diagnosing gender identity disorder (now recognized as ]), who has known the patient for over a year. Letters must state that sex reassignment surgery is the correct course of treatment for the patient.<ref>{{Cite web | vauthors = Weber-Main AM |date=July 2012 | veditors = Fall H |title=Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People (Version 7) |url=http://www.wpath.org/documents/SOC%20V7%2003-17-12.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920085610/http://www.wpath.org/documents/SOC%20V7%2003-17-12.pdf |archive-date=20 September 2012 |access-date=31 October 2013 |website=wpath.org |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2003 |title=WPATH Standards of Care |url=http://www.tssurgeryguide.com/WPATH-standards-of-care.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901020629/http://www.tssurgeryguide.com/WPATH-standards-of-care.html |archive-date=1 September 2014 |access-date=11 August 2014 |publisher=Tssurgeryguide.com}}</ref>{{update inline|date=December 2022}}<!--Previous text apparently relies on SOC7 not SOC8; the latter specifies that one 1 letter is needed if written documentation is needed at all.-->


Many medical professionals and numerous professional associations have stated that surgical interventions should not be required in order for transsexual individuals to change sex designation on identity documents.<ref name="WPATH Clarification" /><ref name="APA Policy Statement">{{Cite web |title=APA Policy Statement Transgender, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression Non-Discrimination |url=http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/policy/transgender.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211231509/http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/policy/transgender.pdf |archive-date=11 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="NASW Policy Statment">{{Cite web |date=August 2008 |title=NASW Policy Statement on Transgender and Gender Identity Issues |url=https://www.socialworkers.org/assets/secured/documents/da/da2008/reffered/Transgender.pdf |website=www.socialworkers.org |orig-year=2006}}</ref> However, depending on the legal requirements of many jurisdictions, transsexual and transgender people are often unable to change the listing of their sex in public records unless they can furnish a physician's letter attesting that sex reassignment surgery has been performed. In some jurisdictions legal gender change is prohibited in any circumstances, even after genital or other surgery or treatment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wareham |first=Jamie |title=New Report Shows Where It's Illegal To Be Transgender In 2020 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/09/30/this-is-where-its-illegal-to-be-transgender-in-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430203254/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/09/30/this-is-where-its-illegal-to-be-transgender-in-2020/ |archive-date=30 April 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> Many medical professionals and many professional associations have stated that surgical interventions should not be required for transsexual individuals to change sex designation on identity documents.<ref name="WPATH Clarification" /><ref name="APA Policy Statement">{{Cite web |title=APA Policy Statement Transgender, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression Non-Discrimination |url=http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/policy/transgender.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211231509/http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/policy/transgender.pdf |archive-date=11 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="NASW Policy Statment">{{Cite web |date=August 2008 |title=NASW Policy Statement on Transgender and Gender Identity Issues |url=https://www.socialworkers.org/assets/secured/documents/da/da2008/reffered/Transgender.pdf | work = National Association of Social Workers (NASW) |orig-date=2006 |access-date=2 September 2022 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315223712/https://www.socialworkers.org/assets/secured/documents/da/da2008/reffered/Transgender.pdf }}</ref> However, depending on the legal requirements of many jurisdictions, transsexual and transgender people are often unable to change the listing of their sex in public records unless they can furnish a physician's letter attesting that sex reassignment surgery has been performed. In some jurisdictions legal gender change is prohibited in any circumstances, even after genital or other surgery or treatment.<ref>{{Cite web | vauthors = Wareham J |title=New Report Shows Where It's Illegal To Be Transgender In 2020 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/09/30/this-is-where-its-illegal-to-be-transgender-in-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430203254/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2020/09/30/this-is-where-its-illegal-to-be-transgender-in-2020/ |archive-date=30 April 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021 | work = Forbes |language=en}}</ref>


=== Insurance === === Insurance ===
{{Globalize|section|United States|date=October 2019}} {{Globalize|section|United States|date=October 2019}}
A growing number of public and commercial health insurance plans in the United States now contain defined benefits covering sex reassignment-related procedures, usually including genital reconstruction surgery (MTF and FTM), chest reconstruction (FTM), breast augmentation (MTF), and ] (FTM).<ref name="hrc.org">{{Cite web |date=26 February 2009 |title=Health Insurance Discrimination for Transgender People |url=http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/9568.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226224337/http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/9568.htm |archive-date=26 February 2009 |website=hrc.org}}</ref> In order for patients to qualify for insurance coverage, certain insurance plans may require proof of the following: A growing number of public and commercial health insurance plans in the US now contain defined benefits covering sex reassignment-related procedures, usually including genital reconstruction surgery (MTF and FTM), chest reconstruction (FTM), breast augmentation (MTF), and ] (FTM).<ref name="hrc.org">{{Cite web |date=26 February 2009 |title=Health Insurance Discrimination for Transgender People |url=http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/9568.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226224337/http://www.hrc.org/issues/transgender/9568.htm |archive-date=26 February 2009 | work = Human Rights Campaign }}</ref> For patients to qualify for insurance coverage, certain insurance plans may require proof of the following:
* a written initial assessment by a qualified licensed mental health professional * a written initial assessment by a qualified licensed mental health professional
* persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria * persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
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In June 2008, the ] (AMA) House of Delegates stated that the denial to patients with gender dysphoria or otherwise covered benefits represents discrimination, and that the AMA supports "public and private health insurance coverage for treatment for gender dysphoria as recommended by the patient's physician."<ref name="ama-assn.org">{{Citation |title=AMA Resolution 122 "Removing Financial Barriers to Care for Transgender Patients" |url=http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/15/digest_of_actions.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327094235/http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/15/digest_of_actions.pdf |archive-date=27 March 2009}}</ref> Other organizations have issued similar statements, including WPATH,<ref name="WPATH Clarification" /> the ],<ref name="APA Policy Statement" /> and the ].<ref name="NASW Policy Statment" /> In June 2008, the ] (AMA) House of Delegates stated that the denial to patients with gender dysphoria or otherwise covered benefits represents discrimination, and that the AMA supports "public and private health insurance coverage for treatment for gender dysphoria as recommended by the patient's physician."<ref name="ama-assn.org">{{Citation |title=AMA Resolution 122 "Removing Financial Barriers to Care for Transgender Patients" |url=http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/15/digest_of_actions.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327094235/http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/15/digest_of_actions.pdf |archive-date=27 March 2009}}</ref> Other organizations have issued similar statements, including WPATH,<ref name="WPATH Clarification" /> the ],<ref name="APA Policy Statement" /> and the ].<ref name="NASW Policy Statment" />


In 2017, the ] ] for the first time approved payment for sex reassignment surgery for an active-duty U.S. military service member. The patient, an infantry soldier who is a transgender woman, had already begun a course of treatment for gender reassignment. The procedure, which the treating doctor deemed medically necessary, was performed on 14 November at a private hospital, since U.S. military hospitals lack the requisite surgical expertise.<ref name="FirstMilitarySRS">{{Cite web |last=Kube |first=C. |date=14 November 2017 |title=Pentagon to pay for surgery for transgender soldier |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pentagon-oks-surgery-transgender-soldier-military-hospital-n820721 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730233535/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pentagon-oks-surgery-transgender-soldier-military-hospital-n820721 |archive-date=30 July 2020 |access-date=15 November 2017 |website=NBC News}}</ref> In 2017, the United States ] for the first time approved payment for sex reassignment surgery for an active-duty U.S. military service member. The patient, an infantry soldier who is a trans woman, had already begun a course of treatment for gender reassignment. The procedure, which the treating doctor deemed medically necessary, was performed on 14 November at a private hospital, since US military hospitals lack the requisite surgical expertise.<ref name="FirstMilitarySRS">{{Cite web | vauthors = Kube C |date=14 November 2017 |title=Pentagon to pay for surgery for transgender soldier |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pentagon-oks-surgery-transgender-soldier-military-hospital-n820721 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730233535/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pentagon-oks-surgery-transgender-soldier-military-hospital-n820721 |archive-date=30 July 2020 |access-date=15 November 2017 | work = NBC News}}</ref>


== Post-procedural considerations == == Post-procedural considerations ==


=== Quality of life and physical health === === Quality of life ===
Clinical research on long-term quality-of-life outcomes following surgery is limited and confounded by various factors, including small sample sizes, and baseline rates of ] issues and suicide among transgender people compared to the general population.<ref name="Shelemy_2024">{{Cite journal | vauthors = Shelemy L, Cotton S, Crane C, Knight M |date=2024-04-03 |title=Systematic review of prospective adult mental health outcomes following affirmative interventions for gender dysphoria |journal=International Journal of Transgender Health |language=en |pages=1–21 |doi=10.1080/26895269.2024.2333525 |issn=2689-5269|doi-access=free }}</ref>


A 2020 meta-analysis found "evidence of low quality" that gender-affirming surgery, particularly ] for trans men, improves quality of life.<ref name="Schall_2023" /> A 2024 systematic review found that genital surgeries significantly improved depression and dissociation, with "mixed results" for other mental health outcomes.<ref name="Shelemy_2024" />
Patients of sex reassignment surgery may experience changes in their physical health and quality of life, as well as side effects of sex steroid treatment.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=De Cuypere |first1=G. |last2=T'Sjoen |first2=G. |last3=Beerten |first3=R. |last4=Selvaggi |first4=G. |last5=De Sutter |first5=P. |last6=Hoebeke |first6=P. |last7=Monstrey |first7=S. |last8=Vansteenwegen |first8=A. |last9=Rubens |first9=R. |display-authors=6 |date=December 2005 |title=Sexual and physical health after sex reassignment surgery |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |volume=34 |issue=6 |pages=679–90 |doi=10.1007/s10508-005-7926-5 |pmid=16362252 |s2cid=42916543}}</ref>


A secondary analysis of the ] found that gender-affirming surgery was significantly associated with lower rates of psychological distress, smoking, and suicidal ideation, compared to rates among respondents who desired surgery but had not undergone it.<ref name="Millman_2021">{{Cite web | vauthors = Millman A |date=2021-03-04 |title=Fact-checking Rand Paul's comparisons of genital mutilation and gender confirmation surgery |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/04/politics/rand-paul-genital-mutilation-gender-confirmation-fact-check/index.html |access-date=2023-07-10 | work = CNN |language=en}}</ref> This was the largest controlled study on the subject to date (N=19,960), though the design of the survey and self-reported responses introduced some limitations and possible ].<ref name="Vincent_2019" />
Several studies have measured quality of life and self-perceived physical health using different scales. Overall, transsexual people have rated their quality of life as normal or quite good, although their overall score was lower than those in the control group.<ref name=":1" /> Another study showed similar quality of life self-reporting in the transsexual and control groups.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last1=Castellano |first1=E. |last2=Crespi |first2=C. |last3=Dell'Aquila |first3=C. |last4=Rosato |first4=R. |last5=Catalano |first5=C. |last6=Mineccia |first6=V. |last7=Motta |first7=G. |last8=Botto |first8=E. |last9=Manieri |first9=C. |display-authors=6 |date=December 2015 |title=Quality of life and hormones after sex reassignment surgery |journal=Journal of Endocrinological Investigation |volume=38 |issue=12 |pages=1373–81 |doi=10.1007/s40618-015-0398-0 |pmid=26486135 |s2cid=8744533}}</ref> One long-term study suggests that 15 years after surgery, quality of life is similar in transgender post-surgical and cisgender control groups, although scores in the domains of physical and personal limitations were still significantly lower among trans participants.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kuhn |first1=A. |last2=Bodmer |first2=C. |last3=Stadlmayr |first3=W. |last4=Kuhn |first4=P. |last5=Mueller |first5=M.D. |last6=Birkhäuser |first6=M. |date=November 2009 |title=Quality of life 15 years after sex reassignment surgery for transsexualism |journal=Fertility and Sterility |volume=92 |issue=5 |pages=1685–1689.e3 |doi=10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.126 |pmid=18990387}}</ref> Research has also shown that quality of life of transsexual patients can be enhanced by other variables. For instance, trans men obtained a higher self-perceived health score than women because they had a higher level of testosterone than women. Trans women who had undergone ] reported higher satisfaction in their general physical health.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ainsworth |first1=T.A. |last2=Spiegel |first2=J.H. |date=September 2010 |title=Quality of life of individuals with and without facial feminization surgery or gender reassignment surgery |journal=Quality of Life Research |volume=19 |issue=7 |pages=1019–24 |doi=10.1007/s11136-010-9668-7 |pmid=20461468 |s2cid=601504}}</ref>


A 2021 review found that less than 1% of 7,928 patients regretted gender-affirming surgery.<ref name="Gaither_2018" />
In 2021, a review published in Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery found that less than 1% of people who undergo gender-affirming surgery regret the decision.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bustos |first1=Valeria |last2=Bustos |first2=Samyd |last3=Mascaro |first3=Andres |last4=Del Corral |first4=Gabriel |last5=Forte |first5=Antonio |last6=Ciudad |first6=Pedro |last7=Kim |first7=Esther |last8=Langstein |first8=Howard |last9=Manrique |first9=Oscar |date=March 2021 |title=Regret after Gender-affirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence |url=https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2021/03000/regret_after_gender_affirmation_surgery__a.22.aspx |journal=Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery |volume=9 |issue=3 |pages=e3477 |doi=10.1097/GOX.0000000000003477 |pmc=8099405 |pmid=33968550 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406104453/https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2021/03000/regret_after_gender_affirmation_surgery__a.22.aspx |archive-date=6 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022}}</ref>


=== Psychological and social consequences === === Psychological and social consequences ===
{{Research paper|section|date=October 2023}}
A 2009 review in the ''International Journal of Transgenderism'' found that from 1998 onward,<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Pfäfflin F, Junge A |date=1998 |title=Sex reassignment: Thirty years of international follow-up studies after sex reassignment surgery—Comprehensive review 1961–1991 |department=Book Section |journal=International Journal of Transgenderism |postscript=,}} quoted in {{Cite journal | vauthors = Monstrey S, Vercruysse Jr H, De Cuypere G |year=2009 |title=Is Gender Reassignment Surgery Evidence Based? Recommendation for the Seventh Version of the WPATH ''Standards of Care'' |journal=International Journal of Transgenderism |volume=11 |issue=3 |pages=206–214 |doi=10.1080/15532730903383799 |s2cid=58637820}}</ref> studies have shown that "the whole process of gender reassignment is effective in relieving gender dysphoria and that its positive results greatly outweighed any negative consequences", but noted methodological issues in many studies, particularly older ones.<ref>Monstrey et al.</ref> A 2010 meta-analysis in ''Clinical Endocrinology'' noted the lack of randomization and control groups and reliance of self-reporting in the studies it reviewed, reaching the conclusion "Very low quality evidence suggests that hormonal therapies given to individuals with GID as a part of sex reassignment are likely to improve gender dysphoria, psychological functioning and comorbidities, sexual function and overall quality of life."<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Murad MH, Elamin MB, Garcia MZ, Mullan RJ, Murad A, Erwin PJ, Montori VM | title = Hormonal therapy and sex reassignment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of quality of life and psychosocial outcomes | journal = Clinical Endocrinology | volume = 72 | issue = 2 | pages = 214–231 | date = February 2010 | pmid = 19473181 | doi = 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03625.x | s2cid = 19590739 }}</ref>


After sex reassignment surgery, transsexuals (people who underwent cross-sex hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery) tend to be less ]. They also normally function well both socially and psychologically. Anxiety, depression and hostility levels were lower after sex reassignment surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Smith |first1=Y.L. |last2=Van Goozen |first2=S.H. |last3=Cohen-Kettenis |first3=P.T. |date=April 2001 |title=Adolescents with gender identity disorder who were accepted or rejected for sex reassignment surgery: a prospective follow-up study |journal=Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |volume=40 |issue=4 |pages=472–81 |doi=10.1097/00004583-200104000-00017 |pmid=11314574}}</ref> They also tend to score well for self-perceived mental health, which is independent from sexual satisfaction.<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |last1=Wierckx |first1=K. |last2=Van Caenegem |first2=E. |last3=Elaut |first3=E. |last4=Dedecker |first4=D. |last5=Van de Peer |first5=F. |last6=Toye |first6=K. |last7=Weyers |first7=S. |last8=Hoebeke |first8=P. |last9=Monstrey |first9=S. |last10=De Cuypere |first10=G. |last11=T'Sjoen |first11=G. |display-authors=6 |date=December 2011 |title=Quality of life and sexual health after sex reassignment surgery in transsexual men |journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine |volume=8 |issue=12 |pages=3379–88 |doi=10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02348.x |pmid=21699661}}</ref> Many studies have been carried out to investigate satisfaction levels of patients after sex reassignment surgery. In these studies, most of the patients have reported being very happy with the results and very few of the patients have expressed regret for undergoing sex reassignment surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lawrence |first=A.A. |date=August 2003 |title=Factors associated with satisfaction or regret following male-to-female sex reassignment surgery |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |volume=32 |issue=4 |pages=299–315 |doi=10.1023/A:1024086814364 |pmid=12856892 |s2cid=9960176}}</ref> Smith et al. (2001) found that among 20 patients, anxiety, depression and hostility levels were lower after gender-affirming surgery.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Smith YL, van Goozen SH, Cohen-Kettenis PT | title = Adolescents with gender identity disorder who were accepted or rejected for sex reassignment surgery: a prospective follow-up study | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | volume = 40 | issue = 4 | pages = 472–481 | date = April 2001 | pmid = 11314574 | doi = 10.1097/00004583-200104000-00017 }}</ref> Wierckx et al. (2011), in a study of 49 trans men, found them in good self-perceived physical and mental health.<ref name="Wierckx_2011">{{cite journal | vauthors = Wierckx K, Van Caenegem E, Elaut E, Dedecker D, Van de Peer F, Toye K, Weyers S, Hoebeke P, Monstrey S, De Cuypere G, T'Sjoen G | title = Quality of life and sexual health after sex reassignment surgery in transsexual men | journal = The Journal of Sexual Medicine | volume = 8 | issue = 12 | pages = 3379–3388 | date = December 2011 | pmid = 21699661 | doi = 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02348.x }}</ref> Dhejne et al. (2011), in a study following 324 trans people who received gender-affirming surgery from 1973 to 2003, found that they "have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behaviour, and psychiatric morbidity than the general population"; concluding, "sex reassignment, although alleviating gender dysphoria, may not suffice as treatment for transsexualism".<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dhejne C, Lichtenstein P, Boman M, Johansson AL, Långström N, Landén M | title = Long-term follow-up of transsexual persons undergoing sex reassignment surgery: cohort study in Sweden | journal = PLOS ONE | volume = 6 | issue = 2 | pages = e16885 | date = February 2011 | pmid = 21364939 | pmc = 3043071 | doi = 10.1371/journal.pone.0016885 | bibcode = 2011PLoSO...616885D | doi-access = free }}</ref> Lawrence (2003), in a study of 232 trans women who underwent surgery in 1994-2000, found "None reported outright regret and only a few expressed even occasional regret."<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lawrence AA | title = Factors associated with satisfaction or regret following male-to-female sex reassignment surgery | journal = Archives of Sexual Behavior | volume = 32 | issue = 4 | pages = 299–315 | date = August 2003 | pmid = 12856892 | doi = 10.1023/A:1024086814364 | s2cid = 9960176 }}</ref>


Risk categories for post-operative regret include being older, having characterized personality disorders with personal and social instability, lacking family support, lacking sexual activity, and expressing dissatisfaction with the results of surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Karpel L, Cordier B |year=2013 |title=Postoperative regrets after sex reassignment surgery: A case report |journal=Sexologies |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=e55–e58 |doi=10.1016/j.sexol.2012.08.014}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (]).|date=October 2022}} During the process of gender-affirming surgery, transgender people may become victims of different social obstacles such as discrimination, prejudice and stigmatizing behaviours.<ref name="Jokić-Begić_2014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Jokić-Begić N, Lauri Korajlija A, Jurin T | title = Psychosocial adjustment to sex reassignment surgery: a qualitative examination and personal experiences of six transsexual persons in croatia | journal = TheScientificWorldJournal | volume = 2014 | pages = 960745 | year = 2014 | pmid = 24790589 | pmc = 3984784 | doi = 10.1155/2014/960745 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The rejection faced by trans people is much more severe than what is experienced by lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Norton AT, Herek GM |year=2013 |title=Heterosexuals' attitudes toward transgender people: findings from a national probability sample of U.S. adults |journal=Sex Roles |volume=68 |issue=11–12 |pages=738–753 |doi=10.1007/s11199-011-0110-6 |s2cid=37723853}}</ref> The hostile environment may trigger or worsen internalized transphobia, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.<ref>{{Cite book | vauthors = Bockting W |title=Gender Dysphoria and Disorders of Sex Development |publisher=Springer |year=2014 |location=New York, NY, U.S. |pages=319–330}}</ref>
Although studies have suggested that the positive consequences of sex reassignment surgery outweigh the negative consequences,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Monstrey |first1=G. |last2=Vercruysse |first2=H. Jr. |last3=De Cuypere |year=2009 |title=Is Gender Reassignment Surgery Evidence Based? Recommendation for the Seventh Version of the WPATH ''Standards of Care'' |journal=International Journal of Transgenderism |volume=11 |issue=3 |pages=206–214 |doi=10.1080/15532730903383799 |s2cid=58637820}}</ref> it has been suggested that most studies investigating the outcomes of sex reassignment surgery are flawed as they have only included a small percentage of sex reassignment surgery patients in their studies.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=C. |date=17 August 2012 |title=Does Gender Reassignment Surgery Lead to Happiness? |work=washingtoncitypaper.com |url=http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/43084/does-gender-reassignment-surgery-lead-to-happiness/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508182343/http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/43084/does-gender-reassignment-surgery-lead-to-happiness/ |archive-date=8 May 2016}}</ref> These methodological limitations such as lack of double-blind randomized controls, small number of participants due to the rarity of transsexualism, high drop-out rates and low follow-up rates,<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last1=Dhejne |first1=C. |last2=Lichtenstein |first2=P. |last3=Boman |first3=M. |last4=Johansson |first4=A.L. |last5=Långström |first5=N. |last6=Landén |first6=M. |date=February 2011 |title=Long-term follow-up of transsexual persons undergoing sex reassignment surgery: cohort study in Sweden |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=e16885 |bibcode=2011PLoSO...616885D |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0016885 |pmc=3043071 |pmid=21364939 |doi-access=free}}</ref> which would indicate need for continued study.


Many patients perceive the outcome of the surgery as not only medically but also psychologically important. Social support can help them to relate to their minority identity, ascertain their trans identity and reduce minority stress.<ref name="Jokić-Begić_2014" />{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (]).|date=October 2022}}
Risk categories for post-operative regret include being older, having characterised personality disorders with personal and social instability, lacking family support, lacking sexual activity, and expressing dissatisfaction with the results of surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Karpel |first1=L. |last2=Cordier |first2=B. |year=2013 |title=Postoperative regrets after sex reassignment surgery: A case report |journal=Sexologies |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=e55–e58 |doi=10.1016/j.sexol.2012.08.014}}</ref> During the process of sex reassignment surgery, transsexuals may become victims of different social obstacles such as discrimination, prejudice and stigmatising behaviours.<ref name=":7" /> The rejection faced by transgender people is much more severe than what is experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Norton |first1=A.T. |last2=Herek |first2=G.M. |year=2013 |title=Heterosexuals' attitudes toward transgender people: findings from a national probability sample of U.S. adults |journal=Sex Roles |volume=68 |issue=11–12 |pages=738–753 |doi=10.1007/s11199-011-0110-6 |s2cid=37723853}}</ref> The hostile environment may trigger or worsen internalized transphobia, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bockting |first=W. |title=Gender Dysphoria and Disorders of Sex Development |publisher=Springer |year=2014 |location=New York, NY, U.S.A |pages=319–330}}</ref>

Many patients perceive the outcome of the surgery as not only medically but also psychologically important. Social support can help them to relate to their minority identity, ascertain their trans identity and reduce minority stress.<ref name=":7" /> Therefore, it is suggested that psychological support is crucial for patients after sex reassignment surgery, which helps them feel accepted and have confidence in the outcome of the surgery; also, psychological support will become increasingly important for patients with lengthier sex reassignment surgery process.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last1=Jokić-Begić |first1=N. |last2=Lauri Korajlija |first2=A. |last3=Jurin |first3=T. |year=2014 |title=Psychosocial adjustment to sex reassignment surgery: a qualitative examination and personal experiences of six transsexual persons in croatia |journal=TheScientificWorldJournal |volume=2014 |page=960745 |doi=10.1155/2014/960745 |pmc=3984784 |pmid=24790589 |doi-access=free}}</ref>


=== Sexuality === === Sexuality ===
Looking specifically at transsexual people's genital sensitivities, both trans men and trans women are capable of maintaining their genital sensitivities after gender-affirming surgery. However, these are counted upon the procedures and surgical tricks which are used to preserve the sensitivity. Considering the importance of genital sensitivity in helping transsexuals to avoid unnecessary harm or injury to the genitals, allowing trans men to obtain erection by inserting a ] after ],<ref name="Selvaggi_2007">{{cite journal | vauthors = Selvaggi G, Monstrey S, Ceulemans P, T'Sjoen G, De Cuypere G, Hoebeke P | title = Genital sensitivity after sex reassignment surgery in transsexual patients | journal = Annals of Plastic Surgery | volume = 58 | issue = 4 | pages = 427–433 | date = April 2007 | pmid = 17413887 | doi = 10.1097/01.sap.0000238428.91834.be | s2cid = 46169398 }}</ref> the ability of trans people to experience erogenous and ] in their reconstructed genitals is one of the essential objectives surgeons want to achieve in gender-affirming surgery.<ref name="Selvaggi_2007" /><ref name="Hage_1993">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hage JJ, Bouman FG, de Graaf FH, Bloem JJ | title = Construction of the neophallus in female-to-male transsexuals: the Amsterdam experience | journal = The Journal of Urology | volume = 149 | issue = 6 | pages = 1463–1468 | date = June 1993 | pmid = 8501789 | doi = 10.1016/S0022-5347(17)36416-9 }}</ref> Moreover, studies have also found that the critical procedure for genital sensitivity maintenance and achieving orgasm after phalloplasty is to preserve both the clitoral hood and the clitoris underneath the reconstructed ].<ref name="Selvaggi_2007" /><ref name="Hage_1993" />


Erogenous sensitivity is measured by the abilities to reach ] in genital sexual activities, like masturbation and intercourse.<ref name="Selvaggi_2007" /> Many studies reviewed that both trans men and trans women have reported an increase of orgasms in both sexual activities,<ref name="Wierckx_2011" /><ref name="De_Cuypere_2005">{{cite journal | vauthors = De Cuypere G, T'Sjoen G, Beerten R, Selvaggi G, De Sutter P, Hoebeke P, Monstrey S, Vansteenwegen A, Rubens R | title = Sexual and physical health after sex reassignment surgery | journal = Archives of Sexual Behavior | volume = 34 | issue = 6 | pages = 679–690 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16362252 | doi = 10.1007/s10508-005-7926-5 | s2cid = 42916543 }}</ref> implying the possibilities to maintain or even enhance genital sensitivity after gender-affirming surgery.
Looking specifically at transsexual people's genital sensitivities, both trans men and trans women are capable of maintaining their genital sensitivities after SRS. However, these are counted upon the procedures and surgical tricks which are used to preserve the sensitivity. Considering the importance of genital sensitivity in helping transsexual individuals to avoid unnecessary harm or injuries to the genitals, allowing trans men to obtain an erection by inserting a ] after ],<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last1=Selvaggi |first1=G. |last2=Monstrey |first2=S. |last3=Ceulemans |first3=P. |last4=T'Sjoen |first4=G. |last5=De Cuypere |first5=G. |last6=Hoebeke |first6=P. |date=April 2007 |title=Genital sensitivity after sex reassignment surgery in transsexual patients |journal=Annals of Plastic Surgery |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=427–33 |doi=10.1097/01.sap.0000238428.91834.be |pmid=17413887 |s2cid=46169398}}</ref> the ability for transsexual people to experience erogenous and ] in their reconstructed genitals is one of the essential objectives surgeons want to achieve in SRS.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite journal |last1=Hage |first1=J.J. |last2=Bouman |first2=F.G. |last3=De Graaf |first3=F.H. |last4=Bloem |first4=J.J. |date=June 1993 |title=Construction of the neophallus in female-to-male transsexuals: the Amsterdam experience |journal=The Journal of Urology |volume=149 |issue=6 |pages=1463–8 |doi=10.1016/S0022-5347(17)36416-9 |pmid=8501789}}</ref> Moreover, studies have also found that the critical procedure for genital sensitivity maintenance and achieving orgasms after phalloplasty is to preserve both the ] hood and the clitoris underneath the reconstructed ].<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" />

Erogenous sensitivity is measured by the capabilities to reach ]s in genital sexual activities, like masturbation and intercourse.<ref name=":8" /> Many studies reviewed that both trans men and trans women have reported an increase of orgasms in both sexual activities,<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":0" /> implying the possibilities to maintain or even enhance genital sensitivity after SRS.

The majority of the transsexual individuals have reported enjoying better sex lives and improved sexual satisfaction after sex reassignment surgery.<ref name=":0" /> The enhancement of sexual satisfaction was positively related to the satisfaction of new primary sex characteristics.<ref name=":0" /> Before undergoing SRS, transsexual patients possessed unwanted sex organs which they were eager to remove. Hence, they were not enthusiastic about engaging in sexual activity. Transsexual individuals who have undergone SRS are more satisfied with their bodies and experienced less stress when participating in sexual activity.<ref name=":0" />

Most of the individuals have reported that they have experienced sexual excitement during sexual activity, including masturbation.<ref name=":0" /> The ability to obtain orgasms is positively associated with sexual satisfaction.<ref name=":10" /> Frequency and intensity of orgasms are substantially different among transsexual men and transsexual women. Almost all female-to-male individuals have revealed an increase in sexual excitement and are capable of achieving orgasms through sexual activity with a partner or via masturbation,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":10" /> whereas only 85% of the male-to-female individuals are able to achieve orgasms after SRS.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lawrence |first=A.A. |date=April 2005 |title=Sexuality before and after male-to-female sex reassignment surgery |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |volume=34 |issue=2 |pages=147–66 |citeseerx=10.1.1.538.6381 |doi=10.1007/s10508-005-1793-y |pmid=15803249 |s2cid=25671520}}</ref> A study found that both trans men and trans women reported qualitative change in their experience of orgasm. The female-to-male transgender individuals reported that they had been experiencing intensified and stronger excitements and orgasm while male-to-female individuals have been encountering longer and more gentle feelings.<ref name=":0" />

The rates of masturbation have also changed after sex reassignment surgery for both trans women and trans men. A study reported an overall increase of masturbation frequencies exhibited in most transsexual individuals and 78% of them were able to reach orgasm by masturbation after SRS.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Gómez-Gil |first1=E. |last2=Zubiaurre-Elorza |first2=L. |last3=De Antonio |first3=I.E. |last4=Guillamon |first4=A. |last5=Salamero |first5=M. |date=March 2014 |title=Determinants of quality of life in Spanish transsexuals attending a gender unit before genital sex reassignment surgery |journal=Quality of Life Research |volume=23 |issue=2 |pages=669–76 |doi=10.1007/s11136-013-0497-3 |pmid=23943260 |s2cid=23051224}}</ref> A study showed that there were differences in masturbation frequencies between trans men and trans women, in which female-to-male individuals masturbated more often than male to female<ref name=":0" /> The possible reasons for the differences in masturbation frequency could be associated with the surge of libido, which was caused by the testosterone therapies, or the withdrawal of gender dysphoria.<ref name=":10" />

Concerning transsexuals’ expectations for different aspects of their life, the sexual aspects have the lowest level of satisfaction among all other elements (physical, emotional and social levels).<ref name=":1" /> When comparing transsexuals with biological individuals of the same gender, trans women had a similar sexual satisfaction to non-trans women, but trans men had a lower level of sexual satisfaction to non-trans men. Moreover, trans men also had a lower sexual satisfaction with their sexual life than trans women.<ref name=":10" />

== By country ==

=== Africa ===
Under The ], articles: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 19, and 28, no person’s fundamental human rights should be denied because of discrimination, thus transgender and gender diverse people are not illegal in any state of Africa.<ref>African Union. (1981). African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights,. African Union.</ref>

''']:''' Though it is not illegal to be transgender, there are no protective rights or supportive legislations for legal gender change or any type of medical transitional procedures.<ref>{{Citation |last=Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency |title=The Rights of LGBTI People in the DR of Congo |date=2014 |url=https://cdn.sida.se/app/uploads/2021/05/07083458/rights-of-lgbt-persons-drc.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425222923/https://cdn.sida.se/app/uploads/2021/05/07083458/rights-of-lgbt-persons-drc.pdf |access-date=12 April 2022 |archive-date=25 April 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''']:''' There are no laws against being transgender or gender diverse, however there are many cases of de facto criminalisation under activities associated to sexwork, debauchery, public indecency, and public order provisions, and so on, as it is often considered “perverse”. Furthermore, sex reassignment procedures are not legal and medical professionals are actively prohibited to perform them by the government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahmoud |first=Ebtsam |date=8 January 2018 |title=Transgender in Egypt: Sex reassignment surgical procedures around the world |url=https://egyptindependent.com/transgender-egypt-sex-reassignment-surgical-procedures-around-world/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124072606/https://www.egyptindependent.com/transgender-egypt-sex-reassignment-surgical-procedures-around-world/ |archive-date=24 November 2020 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=Egypt Independent |publisher=Egypt Independent}}</ref><ref>ILGA World: Zhan Chiam, Sandra Duffy, Matilda González Gil, Lara Goodwin, and Nigel
Timothy Mpemba Patel, Trans Legal Mapping Report 2019: Recognition before the law
(Geneva: ILGA World, 2020).</ref>

''']:''' Medical procedures for trans people in Ethiopia are not illegal, but very rare. Gender expression out of the ‘norm’ faces major issues in violence and social stigmatisation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ethiopia |url=https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/ethiopia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421184802/https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/ethiopia/ |archive-date=21 April 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=Human Dignity Trust}}</ref>

''']:''' Casablanca, Morocco, is notable for being the home of Clinique de Parc, ]'s clinic for transgender women. Burou is considered one of the pioneers of SRS.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Hage |first1=J.J. |last2=Karim |first2=R.B. |last3=Laub |first3=D.R. |date=December 2007 |title=On the origin of pedicled skin inversion vaginoplasty: life and work of Dr Georges Burou of Casablanca |journal=Annals of Plastic Surgery |volume=59 |issue=6 |pages=723–9 |doi=10.1097/01.sap.0000258974.41516.bc |pmid=18046160 |s2cid=25373951}}</ref> A French gynecologist, Burou created the anteriorly pedicled ], still considered the "gold standard" of skin-lined vaginoplasty.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Perovic |first1=S. |last2=Djinovic |first2=R. |date=November 2009 |title=Genitoplasty in male-to-female transsexuals |journal=Current Opinion in Urology |volume=19 |issue=6 |pages=571–6 |doi=10.1097/MOU.0b013e3283312eb3 |pmid=19707142 |s2cid=5424447}}</ref> He is credited with having performed over 3000 MtF surgeries.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Reed |first=H.M. |date=May 2011 |title=Aesthetic and functional male to female genital and perineal surgery: feminizing vaginoplasty |journal=Seminars in Plastic Surgery |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=163–74 |doi=10.1055/s-0031-1281486 |pmc=3312144 |pmid=22547974}}</ref>

''']:''' Medical procedures such as hormone replacement and sex reassignment are not illegal, but resources are limited. Additionally, it is not possible to change one's name or gender marker in the country of Nigeria, and trans individuals in Nigeria are not legally protected for gender expression.<ref name="ILGA World 2020">{{Citation |last1=Chiam |first1=Zhan |title=Trans Legal Mapping Report 2019: Recognition before the law |year=2020 |place=Geneva |publisher=ILGA World |last2=Duffy |first2=Sandra |last3=Gil |first3=Matilda González |last4=Goodwin |first4=Lara |last5=Patel |first5=Nigel Timothy Mpemba}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=Timinepre |title='I feel invisible': The challenges of being trans in Nigeria |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/11/1/i-feel-invisible-the-challenges-of-being-trans-in-nigeria |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417022434/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/11/1/i-feel-invisible-the-challenges-of-being-trans-in-nigeria |archive-date=17 April 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=AlJazeera |publisher=AlJazeera}}</ref>

''']:''' Trans and gender diverse peoples are protected and acknowledged under South African Law, where no sterilisation or other forced procedures are necessary to have legal recognition of a person's gender identity. Sex reassignment surgery is legal and accessible, but not covered by medical aid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Principle 3 – Yogyakartaprinciples.org |url=http://yogyakartaprinciples.org/principle-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325054601/https://yogyakartaprinciples.org/principle-3/ |archive-date=25 March 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022}}</ref>

=== Asia ===

''']:''' Gender-affirming surgeries and changing one’s legal name and gender are all accessible in the Peoples’ Republic of China, but there are rigorous steps to follow to do so. To change one’s legal gender, they must show a gender determination certificate as proof of sex reassignment surgery, which cannot be undergone without: psychiatric diagnosis, verification of no prior criminal record, proof that the family has been notified, written agreement from their family and work unit, that they are unmarried and over 20 years old. Psychiatric
diagnosis is not given to someone who is not exclusively heterosexual.<ref name="ILGA World 2020" />

''']:''' Transgender people in India need to undergo sex reassignment surgery to change their legal gender from male to female or vice-versa. This has been opposed by Indian transgender activists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2019 |title=India's Transgender Rights Law Isn't Worth Celebrating |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/12/05/indias-transgender-rights-law-isnt-worth-celebrating |access-date=1 May 2022 |website=Human Rights Watch |language=en}}</ref> India also requires proof of sex reassignment surgery for changing the gender listed on one's passport. This requirement has been challenged in courts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=11 April 2022 |title=Cannot insist on gender reassignment surgery certificate for issuance of passport: Delhi HC |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cannot-insist-on-gender-reassignment-surgery-certificate-for-issuance-of-passport-delhi-hc/article65312034.ece |access-date=1 May 2022 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The government's flagship national health insurance scheme may soon cover sex reassignment surgeries for transgender individuals.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Nidhi |title=Ayushman Bharat to cover sex change of transgenders |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/ayushman-bharat-to-cover-sex-change-of-transgenders/articleshow/86800508.cms |access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> India is offering affordable sex reassignment surgery to a growing number of ]<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 May 2016 |title=Sex-change surgery: India's new line in medical tourism |work=] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/sexchange-surgery-indias-new-line-in-medical-tourism/article8567393.ece |url-status=live |access-date=10 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209234335/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/sexchange-surgery-indias-new-line-in-medical-tourism/article8567393.ece |archive-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> and to the general population.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=November 2016 |title=Growing recognition of transgender health |journal=Bulletin of the World Health Organization |volume=94 |issue=11 |pages=790–791 |doi=10.2471/BLT.16.021116 |pmc=5096349 |pmid=27821880}}</ref>

''']:''' The Iranian government's response to homosexuality is to endorse, and fully pay for, sex reassignment surgery.<ref name="SexChange">{{Cite news |last=Hays |first=M. |title=Iran's gay plan |work=CBC News |url=http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2008/08/26/f-homosexuality-iran-sex-change.html |url-status=live |access-date=23 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416140030/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2008/08/26/f-homosexuality-iran-sex-change.html |archive-date=16 April 2009}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> The leader of Iran's ], ], issued a ] declaring sex reassignment surgery permissible for "diagnosed transsexuals".<ref name="SexChange" /> Eshaghian's documentary, '']'', chronicles a number of stories of ] who feel transitioning is the only way to avoid further persecution, jail, or execution.<ref name="SexChange" /> The head of Iran's main transsexual organization, ], who convinced Khomeini to issue the fatwa on transsexuality, confirmed that some people who undergo operations are gay rather than transsexual.<ref name="Guardian">{{Cite news |last=Tait |first=Robert |date=26 September 2007 |title=Sex change funding undermines no gays claim |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/frontpage/story/0,,2177277,00.html |access-date=20 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620093539/https://www.theguardian.com/frontpage/story/0,,2177277,00.html/ |archive-date=20 June 2020}}</ref>

''']:''' {{As of|2020|}}, Japan requires the forced sterilization of transgender people for the legal recognition of sex reassignment.<ref name=":14" />

''']:''' The first sex reassignment surgery in Singapore was successfully performed on 30 July 1971. Singapore was the first country in Asia to legalize same sex reassignment surgeries in 1973. Singapore's first sex reassignment operation on a woman took place three years later, and was carried out in three stages between August 1974 and October 1977 as ] are much more complex. ] for such surgeries are also prelevant in Singapore as local hospitals also accepts foreigners. In 1996, the Singaporean government legalized marriage for transsexuals.<ref name="1973SG"/>

''']:''' In Pakistan, the ] has ruled that SRS contravenes Islamic law as construed by the council.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 November 2013 |title=Islamic Ideology body okays test tube babies, terms sex-change operations 'un-Islamic' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/627636/islamic-ideology-body-okays-test-tube-babies-terms-sex-change-operations-un-islamic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224165209/https://tribune.com.pk/story/627636/islamic-ideology-body-okays-test-tube-babies-terms-sex-change-operations-un-islamic |archive-date=24 February 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=tribune.com.pk}}</ref>

''']:''' Thailand is the country that performs the most sex reassignment surgeries, followed by ].<ref name="Guardian" />

''']:''' In Indonesia, it has been possible to do sex reassignment surgery since 1973 when ] was the first transgender woman to have legal gender changes in the country. ] requires SRS and judicial approval for a person to legally change gender. Then, the gender/sex change of that transgender individual will be recognized by the state as the opposite legal gender.

''']''': As of 2016, sex reassignment surgery has been legalized in UAE.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2016 |title=New UAE law allows gender reassignment surgery |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/health/new-uae-law-allows-gender-reassignment-surgery-1.218691 |access-date=19 May 2022 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 September 2016 |title=Landmark Law Change: Sex Correction Surgery Is Now Legal In The UAE |url=https://emirateswoman.com/landmark-changes-sex-correction-surgery-is-now-legal-in-the-uae/ |access-date=19 May 2022 |website=Emirates Woman |language=en}}</ref>

=== Europe ===

''']:''' Since 2016, France no longer requires SRS as a condition for a gender change on legal documents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2016 |title=French Law Removes the Surgical Requirement for Legal Gender Recognition |url=https://transequality.org/blog/french-law-removes-the-surgical-requirement-for-legal-gender-recognition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303143009/https://transequality.org/blog/french-law-removes-the-surgical-requirement-for-legal-gender-recognition |archive-date=3 March 2020 |access-date=14 December 2018 |website=National Center for Transgender Equality}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Toor |first=A. |date=14 October 2016 |title=Transgender people no longer required to undergo sterilization in France |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/14/13283086/transgender-law-france-sterilization-gender-change |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214164028/https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/14/13283086/transgender-law-france-sterilization-gender-change |archive-date=14 December 2018 |access-date=14 December 2018 |website=The Verge}}</ref> In 2017, a case brought earlier by three transgender French people was decided. France was found in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights for requiring the forced sterilization of transgender people seeking to change their gender on legal documents.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 September 2017 |title=Why transgender people are being sterilised in some European countries |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2017/09/01/why-transgender-people-are-being-sterilised-in-some-european-countries |url-status=live |access-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322125936/https://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2017/09/economist-explains |archive-date=22 March 2018}}</ref>

''']:''' As late as 2010, transgender people that have undergone SRS can change their sex on legal documents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 October 2010 |title=Malta: UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) |url=https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/malta-un-committee-elimination-discrimination-against-women-cedaw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219000932/https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/malta-un-committee-elimination-discrimination-against-women-cedaw |archive-date=19 December 2018 |access-date=18 December 2018 |website=outrightinternational.org}}</ref>

''']:''' Sex reassignment surgery is legal and its costs are fully covered by health insurance. Undergoing it is required for a person to change their sex on legal documents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In Romania, operatia de schimbare a sexului e gratuita. Transsexualitatea este considerata o boala |website=OpiniaTimisoarei.ro |url=https://www.opiniatimisoarei.ro/romania-operatia-de-schimbare-sexului-gratuita-transsexualitatea-este-considerata-boala/30/03/2011 |access-date=13 July 2022 |language=ro}}</ref>

''']:''' Psychiatric evaluation is necessary to receive a diagnosis of ‘transsexualism’ before one can be authorized for hormone therapy or gender reassignment surgeries. And all expenses regarding hormone treatment or surgeries are not covered by government aid and must be paid by the patient.
<ref>{{Citation |last=Transgender Legal Defense Project |title=The situation of transgender persons in Russia |date=2017 |url=https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CESCR/Shared%20Documents/RUS/INT_CESCR_CSS_RUS_28825_E.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408162016/https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CESCR/Shared%20Documents/RUS/INT_CESCR_CSS_RUS_28825_E.pdf |access-date=12 April 2022 |archive-date=8 April 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''']:''' Despite a resolution from the European Parliament in 1989 suggesting advanced rights for all European Union citizens, as of 2002 only ]'s public health system covers sex reassignment surgery.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=10 June 2002 |title=Spain: Health Care For All! |url=https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/spain-health-care-all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010712/https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/spain-health-care-all |archive-date=18 December 2018 |access-date=17 December 2018 |website=outrightinternational.org}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=This is a exhortation to the public for a letter-writing campaign by an activist organization, not an independent, secondary source.|date=November 2019}}

''']:''' In 2010, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court struck down two laws that limited access to SRS. These included requirements of at least 2 years of psychotherapy before health insurance was obligated to cover the cost of SRS<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 September 2010 |title=Switzerland drops 2-year therapy as surgery-requirement |url=https://tgeu.org/switzerland-drops-2-year-therapy-as-surgery-requirement/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401140339/https://tgeu.org/switzerland-drops-2-year-therapy-as-surgery-requirement/ |archive-date=1 April 2019 |access-date=11 December 2018 |website=tgeu.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2013 |title=Schlumpf v. Switzerland (European Court of Human Rights) |url=https://genderidentitywatch.com/2013/12/23/schlumpf-v-switzerland-european-court-of-human-rights/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401141204/https://genderidentitywatch.com/2013/12/23/schlumpf-v-switzerland-european-court-of-human-rights/ |archive-date=1 April 2019 |access-date=11 December 2018 |website=genderidentitywatch.com}}</ref> and inability to procreate.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 August 2018 |title=Guide on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights: Right to Respect for Private and Family Life, Home and Correspondence |url=https://www.echr.coe.int |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407072047/http://www.echr.coe.int/ |archive-date=7 April 2007 |access-date=10 December 2018 |website=European Court of Human Rights}}</ref>

''']:''' In 2015, the Administrative District Court of Kiev ruled that forced sterilization was unlawful and no longer required for legal gender change.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

''']:''' The minimum age for sex reassignment surgery varies from 16 in Scotland to 18 in Wales.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2018 |title=Access to sex reassignment surgery |url=https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2017/mapping-minimum-age-requirements-concerning-rights-child-eu/access-sex-reassignment-surgery}}</ref> It is not a requirement for legal gender change.

=== North America ===

''']:''' As of 1 July 2017, all Canadian provinces and territories allow a change of sex on birth certificates without SRS requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 April 2014 |title=C.F. v. Alberta (Vital Statistics), 2014 ABQB 237 (CanLII) |url=https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/abqb/doc/2014/2014abqb237/2014abqb237.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211234659/https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/abqb/doc/2014/2014abqb237/2014abqb237.html |archive-date=11 February 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=canlii.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Application Forms - Vital Statistics Agency - Ministry of Health |url=https://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/forms/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322132716/https://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/forms/ |archive-date=22 March 2015 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=gov.bc.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manitoba Vital Statistics Agency &#124; Province of Manitoba |url=https://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517021850/https://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/ |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=Province of Manitoba - Manitoba Vital Statistics Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Salerno |first=R. |date=28 April 2017 |title=New Brunswick trans-rights bills pass final reading |work=Xtra |url=https://xtramagazine.com/power/new-brunswick-trans-rights-bills-pass-final-reading-73415 |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523155344/https://xtramagazine.com/power/new-brunswick-trans-rights-bills-pass-final-reading-73415 |archive-date=23 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 December 2015 |title=Reassignment surgery not necessary to change gender markers on ID, ruling says Social Sharing |work=cbc.ca |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/human-rights-transgender-birth-marker-1.3356863 |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422122729/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/human-rights-transgender-birth-marker-1.3356863 |archive-date=22 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bird |first=H. |date=14 June 2016 |title=Trans activist celebrates proposed N.W.T. Vital Statistics changes |work=cbc.ca |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nwt-vital-statistics-gender-change-1.3633856 |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916045045/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nwt-vital-statistics-gender-change-1.3633856 |archive-date=16 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2016 |title=Consolidation of Vital Statistics Act - R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c.V-3 |url=http://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/gnjustice2/consrsnwt1988cv-3.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218170214/http://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/gnjustice2/consrsnwt1988cv-3.pdf |archive-date=18 February 2017 |website=gov.nu.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2012 |title=XY v. Ontario (Government and Consumer Services), 2012 HRTO 726 (CanLII) |url=https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onhrt/doc/2012/2012hrto726/2012hrto726.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223071933/http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onhrt/doc/2012/2012hrto726/2012hrto726.html |archive-date=23 February 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=canlii.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fraser |first=S. |date=18 April 2016 |title=P.E.I. transgender community applauds ID changes |work=cbc.ca |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-transgender-government-identification-1.3535657 |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506010612/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-transgender-government-identification-1.3535657 |archive-date=6 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2015 |title=New Legal Rights for Transgender People |url=https://www.educaloi.qc.ca/en/news/new-legal-rights-transgender-people |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402075119/https://www.educaloi.qc.ca/en/news/new-legal-rights-transgender-people |archive-date=2 April 2019 |website=educaloi.qc.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=25 February 2016 |title=Transgender people in Saskatchewan celebrate government ID change |work=cbc.ca |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/transgender-people-in-saskatchewan-celebrate-government-id-change-1.3463578 |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211231642/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/transgender-people-in-saskatchewan-celebrate-government-id-change-1.3463578 |archive-date=11 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salerno |first=R. |date=26 April 2017 |title=Yukon government introduces trans-rights bill |url=https://xtramagazine.com/yukon-government-introduces-trans-rights-bill-73406 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523223432/https://xtramagazine.com/yukon-government-introduces-trans-rights-bill-73406 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |website=xtramagazine.com}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=November 2021}}

''']:''' On 4 June 2008, MINSAP, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, issued Resolution 126 - an act that assured complete coverage for Cubans seeking sexual reassignment surgeries, the first of any country in Latin America to do so. Consisting of 11 articles, article 5 of the resolution explains that it is the responsibility of the national commission to provide comprehensive health care to “all transsexual citizens.” This includes diagnosis, psychological and psychiatric care, the provision of necessary medications, therapy, and reassignment surgery.<ref name="Transsexuals' Right to Health? A Cu">{{Cite journal |last1=Kirk |first1=E. J. |last2=Huish |first2=R. |year=2018 |title=Transsexuals' Right to Health? A Cuban Case Study |journal=Health and Human Rights |language=en |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=215–222 |pmc=6293354 |pmid=30568415}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2008 |title=HEALTH-CUBA: Free Sex Change Operations Approved |url=http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42693 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612094759/http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42693 |archive-date=12 June 2010 |publisher=Inter Press Service}}</ref> Prior to being approved, it was suggested that the bill would make Cuba the most ] nation in ] on ] issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Israel |first=Esteban |date=3 July 2006 |title=Castro's niece fights for new revolution |agency=] |url=http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000021/002197.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822022909/http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000021/002197.htm |archive-date=22 August 2006}}</ref> The resolution was heavily pushed for by ] a government-funded body dedicated to advocating LGBT rights and "sexual diversity".<ref name="Transsexuals' Right to Health? A Cu" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Anderson, Tim. "hiv/aids in cuba: a rights-based analysis." health and human rights (2009): 93-104. |url=https://cdn2.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2013/07/10-Anderson.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608194723/https://cdn2.sph.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2013/07/10-Anderson.pdf |archive-date=8 June 2021 |access-date=8 June 2021}}</ref>

''']:''' Guatemala has no comprehensive civil law that explicitly protects against discrimination
or addresses hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Nor is it possible to legally change one’s gender.
<ref>{{Cite web |title="It's What Happens When You Look Like This" |url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/media_2021/03/%E2%80%9CIt%E2%80%99s%20What%20Happens%20When%20You%20Look%20Like%20This%E2%80%9D_0.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413163610/https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/media_2021/03/%E2%80%9CIt%E2%80%99s%20What%20Happens%20When%20You%20Look%20Like%20This%E2%80%9D_0.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>

''']:''' Sex reassignment surgery does not exist in Haiti and it is not possible to change one’s name or gender marker legally.<ref name="ILGA World 2020" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=BUILDING SAFE SPACES FOR TRANS PEOPLE IN HAITI |url=https://www.latinamerica.undp.org/content/rblac/en/home/stories/construyendo-espacios-seguros-para-personas-trans-en-haiti.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425222930/https://www.latinamerica.undp.org/content/rblac/en/home/stories/construyendo-espacios-seguros-para-personas-trans-en-haiti.html |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=Latin America and the Caribbean |publisher=Programa De Naciones Unidas Para El Desarrollo}}</ref>

''']:''' As of a 2014 law,<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 2014 |title=Aprueban reforma a la ley de identidad de género en la Ciudad de México |url=https://www.sdpnoticias.com/gay/2014/11/13/aprueban-reforma-a-la-ley-de-identidad-de-genero-en-la-ciudad-de-mexico |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505015723/https://www.sdpnoticias.com/gay/2014/11/13/aprueban-reforma-a-la-ley-de-identidad-de-genero-en-la-ciudad-de-mexico |archive-date=5 May 2019 |access-date=5 May 2019 |website=SDPnoticias.com |language=es}}</ref> Mexico City no longer requires SRS for changes of sex on birth certificates, and several states have followed suit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2018 |title=Mexico Transgender Ruling a Beacon for Change |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/10/29/mexico-transgender-ruling-beacon-change |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421180341/https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/10/29/mexico-transgender-ruling-beacon-change |archive-date=21 April 2019 |access-date=5 May 2019 |website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref>

''']:''' Before the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States, there were several Supreme Court cases that did not legally recognize individuals who underwent SRS by invalidating marriages of trans people.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 1959 |title=Christine Denied Marriage License |work=Toledo Blade |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3m4xAAAAIBAJ&dq=christine%20jorgensen&pg=6305%2C3225316 |url-status=live |access-date=26 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031174820/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3m4xAAAAIBAJ&dq=christine%20jorgensen&pg=6305%2C3225316 |archive-date=31 October 2020}}</ref>{{irrelevant citation|date=December 2019|reason=does not reference any supreme court cases}} Today, many states require SRS as a prerequisite for recognition of a legal sex change on official documents such as passports, birth certificates, or IDs.

=== South America ===
''']:''' In 2012, Argentina began offering government subsidized total or partial SRS to all persons 18 years of age or older.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ansari |first=A. |date=23 February 2017 |title=Transgender rights: These countries are ahead of the US |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/23/health/transgender-laws-around-the-world/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523154322/https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/23/health/transgender-laws-around-the-world/index.html |archive-date=23 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salum |first=Alejandro Nasif |date=13 May 2012 |title=Argentina Has Passed the Most Progressive Gender Identity Legislation in Existence |url=https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/argentina-has-passed-most-progressive-gender-identity-legislation-existence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010938/https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/argentina-has-passed-most-progressive-gender-identity-legislation-existence |archive-date=18 December 2018 |access-date=17 December 2018 |website=Leading Global LGBTIQ Human Rights Organization}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=14 May 2012 |title=Argentina Adopts Landmark Legislation in Recognition of Gender Identity |url=https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/argentina-adopts-landmark-legislation-recognition-gender-identity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010737/https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/argentina-adopts-landmark-legislation-recognition-gender-identity |archive-date=18 December 2018 |access-date=17 December 2018 |website=outrightinternational.org}}</ref> Private insurance companies are prohibited from increasing the cost of SRS for their clients. At the same time, the Argentinian government repealed a law that banned SRS without authorization from a judge.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2013 |title=English Translation of Argentina's Gender Identity Law as approved by the Senate of Argentina on May 8, 2012 |url=https://tgeu.org/argentina-gender-identity-law/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614145940/https://tgeu.org/argentina-gender-identity-law/ |archive-date=14 June 2020 |access-date=11 December 2018 |website=tgeu.org}}</ref> Furthermore, it is not required to undergo SRS to change sex on legal documents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2014 |title=Six-year-old becomes first transgender child in Argentina to change identity - Telegraph |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/argentina/10339296/Six-year-old-becomes-first-transgender-child-in-Argentina-to-change-identity.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411011617/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/argentina/10339296/Six-year-old-becomes-first-transgender-child-in-Argentina-to-change-identity.html |archive-date=11 April 2014 |access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>


Most trans persons report enjoying better sex lives and improved sexual satisfaction after gender-affirming surgery.<ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" /> The enhancement of sexual satisfaction was positively related to the satisfaction of new primary sex characteristics.<ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" /> Before gender-affirming surgery, trans patients had unwanted sex organs which they were eager to remove. Hence, they were not enthusiastic about engaging in sexual activity. Transsexual individuals who have undergone gender-affirming surgery are more satisfied with their bodies and experienced less stress when participating in sexual activity.<ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" />
''']:''' As of March 2018, the Supreme Court unanimously removed medical and
judicial criteria for all trans persons to change their names and legal gender.<ref name="ILGA World 2020" /> Trans people in Brazil can receive government funded sex reassignment surgery at the minimum age of 18, and hormone replacement therapy at the age of 16.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lopez |first=Oscar |date=9 January 2020 |title=Brazil issues new rules, lowers age for gender reassignment surgery |work=Reuters |agency=Thomson Reuters Foundation |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-lgbt-surgery-idUSL8N29E622 |url-status=live |access-date=17 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417041637/https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-lgbt-surgery-idUSL8N29E622 |archive-date=17 April 2022}}</ref>


Most of the individuals report that they have experienced sexual excitement during sexual activity, including masturbation.<ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" /> The ability to obtain orgasm is positively associated with sexual satisfaction.<ref name="Wierckx_2011" /> Frequency and intensity of orgasm are substantially different for trans men and trans women. Almost all female-to-male individuals revealed an increase in sexual excitement and can achieve orgasm through sexual activity with a partner or via masturbation,<ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" /><ref name="Wierckx_2011" /> whereas only 85% of the male-to-female individuals are able to achieve orgasm after gender-affirming surgery.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lawrence AA | title = Sexuality before and after male-to-female sex reassignment surgery | journal = Archives of Sexual Behavior | volume = 34 | issue = 2 | pages = 147–166 | date = April 2005 | pmid = 15803249 | doi = 10.1007/s10508-005-1793-y | s2cid = 25671520 | citeseerx = 10.1.1.538.6381 }}</ref> A study found that both trans men and trans women reported qualitative change in their experience of orgasm. The female-to-male trans individuals reported that they had been experiencing intensified and stronger excitements and orgasm while male-to-female persons have been encountering longer and more gentle feelings.<ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" />
''']:''' In 2012, a bill was introduced that stated SRS was no longer a requirement for legal name and sex change.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last=brian |date=13 August 2012 |title=Chilean Paradoxes: LGBT rights in Latin America |work=Outright Action International |url=https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/chilean-paradoxes-lgbt-rights-latin-america |url-status=live |access-date=17 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010655/https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/chilean-paradoxes-lgbt-rights-latin-america |archive-date=18 December 2018}}</ref> In 2013, Chile's public health plan was required to cover sex reassignment surgery.<ref name=":11" /> The cost is subsidized by the government based on a patient's income.<ref name=":11" />


Rates of masturbation have also changed after gender-affirming surgery for both trans women and trans men. A study reported an overall increase of masturbation frequencies in most transsexuals and 78% of them were able to reach orgasm by masturbation after gender-affirming surgery.<ref name="Wierckx_2011" /><ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" /><ref name="Gómez-Gil_2014">{{cite journal | vauthors = Gómez-Gil E, Zubiaurre-Elorza L, de Antonio IE, Guillamon A, Salamero M | title = Determinants of quality of life in Spanish transsexuals attending a gender unit before genital sex reassignment surgery | journal = Quality of Life Research | volume = 23 | issue = 2 | pages = 669–676 | date = March 2014 | pmid = 23943260 | doi = 10.1007/s11136-013-0497-3 | s2cid = 23051224 }}</ref> A study showed that there were differences in masturbation frequency between trans men and trans women; female-to-male individuals masturbated more often than male-to-female.<ref name="De_Cuypere_2005" /> The possible reasons for the difference in masturbation frequency could be associated with the surge of libido, which was caused by the testosterone therapies, or the withdrawal of gender dysphoria.<ref name="Wierckx_2011" />
''']:''' Binary-transgender changes are recognised in Colombia but there has only been 1 case of legal change to a non-binary marker.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acción de tutela instaurada por Dani García Pulgarín contra la Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil y la Notaría Novena de Medellín |url=https://www.corteconstitucional.gov.co/Relatoria/2022/T-033-22.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308174447/https://www.corteconstitucional.gov.co/relatoria/2022/T-033-22.htm |archive-date=8 March 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022 |language=es}}</ref> Gender marking changes are granted often only when a medical precondition is met, including, but not limited to, psychiatric diagnosis or sterilisation. Sex reassignment surgery is not always necessary for gender change but it is still available under Colombian insurance or if paid out of pocket.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Osella |first1=Stefano |last2=Rubio-Marin |first2=Ruth |year=2021 |title=The Right to Gender Recognition before the Colombian Constitutional Court: A Queer and Travesti Theory Analysis |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/blar.13297 |url-status=live |journal=Bulletin of Latin American Research |volume=40 |issue=5 |pages=650–664 |doi=10.1111/blar.13297 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425222927/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/blar.13297 |archive-date=25 April 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022 |s2cid=245023800}}</ref>


Concerning trans people's expectations for different aspects of their life, the sexual aspects have the lowest level of satisfaction among all other elements (physical, emotional and social levels).<ref name="Gómez-Gil_2014" /> When comparing trans with ] persons of the same gender, ] had a similar sexual satisfaction to cis women, but ] had a lower level of sexual satisfaction to cis men. Moreover, trans men also had a lower sexual satisfaction with their sexual life than trans women.<ref name="Wierckx_2011" />
''']:''' It is possible to change both one’s gender marker and name legally.<ref name="ILGA World 2020" /> Although sex reassignment surgeries are available, trans Peruvians often face barriers to gender-affirming care (e.g., lack of qualified and willing providers, high cost, restrictive gatekeeping in assessment for hormones and surgery), and trans individuals may face malpractice and various forms discrimination.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Reisner |first1=Sari L. |last2=Silva-Santisteban |first2=Alfonso |last3=Salazar |first3=Ximena |last4=Vilela |first4=Jesse |last5=D’Amico |first5=Lynne |last6=Perez-Brumer |first6=Amaya |date=2 August 2021 |editor-last=Garcia |editor-first=Jonathan |title="Existimos": Health and social needs of transgender men in Lima, Peru |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=16 |issue=8 |pages=e0254494 |bibcode=2021PLoSO..1654494R |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0254494 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=8328288 |pmid=34339444 |doi-access=free}}</ref>


== Legal status ==
''']:''' The Comprehensive Law for Trans People ({{lang|es|La Ley Integral para Personas Trans}}), which was passed on 19 October 2018, improves the access of surgeries for transgender people, which says that the state will pay for them. For those under 18 wishing to undergo surgery, a request to change their legal name and sex must accompany their registration. For minors who do not have consent from guardians, judicial authorization may be sought in its place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uruguay: Congress Adopts New Law on Transgender Rights |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2018-10-31/uruguay-congress-adopts-new-law-on-transgender-rights/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331175205/https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2018-10-31/uruguay-congress-adopts-new-law-on-transgender-rights/ |archive-date=31 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022 |publisher=]}}</ref>
{{main|Legal status of gender-affirming healthcare}}


== See also == == See also ==
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== Notes == ==Notes==
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== References == == References ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sex Reassignment Surgery}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Sex Reassignment Surgery}}
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Latest revision as of 08:34, 16 December 2024

Surgical procedures to affirm gender identity

Part of a series on
Transgender topics
     
Gender identities
Health care practices



Rights and legal status


Society and culture Events and awareness
Culture
Theory and concepts
By country Rights
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See also

Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is a surgical procedure, or series of procedures, that alters a person's physical appearance and sexual characteristics to resemble those associated with their identified gender. The phrase is most often associated with transgender health care and intersex medical interventions, though many such treatments are also pursued by cisgender and non-intersex persons. It is also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS), gender confirmation surgery (GCS), and several other names.

Professional medical organizations have established Standards of Care, which apply before someone can apply for and receive reassignment surgery, including psychological evaluation, and a period of real-life experience living in the desired gender.

Feminization surgeries are surgeries that result in female-looking anatomy, such as vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty and breast augmentation. Masculinization surgeries are those that result in male-looking anatomy, such as phalloplasty and breast reduction.

In addition to gender-affirming surgery, patients may need to follow a lifelong course of masculinizing or feminizing hormone replacement therapy to support the endocrine system.

Sweden became the first country in the world to allow transgender people to change their legal gender after "reassignment surgery" and provide free hormone treatment, in 1972. Singapore followed soon after in 1973, being the first in Asia.

Terminology

Gender-affirming surgery is known by many other names, including gender-affirmation surgery, sex reassignment surgery, gender reassignment surgery, and gender confirmation surgery. It is also sometimes called a sex change, though this term is usually considered offensive. Top surgery and bottom surgery refer to surgeries on the chest and genitals respectively.

Some transgender people who want medical assistance to transition from one sex to another identify as "transsexual".

Trans women and others assigned male at birth may undergo one or more feminizing procedures: genital surgeries such as penectomy (removal of the penis), orchiectomy (removal of the testes), vaginoplasty (construction of a vagina), vulvoplasty (construction of a vulva); as well as breast augmentation, tracheal shave (reduction of the Adam's apple), facial feminization surgery, and voice feminization surgery among others.

Trans men and others assigned female at birth may undergo one or more masculinizing procedures; such as chest reconstruction, breast reduction, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). A penis can be constructed through metoidioplasty or phalloplasty, and a scrotum through scrotoplasty.

As knowledge of non-binary genders expands in the medical community, more surgeons are willing to tailor operations to individual needs. Bigenital operations allow individuals to construct a penis or vagina and retain their original organs. Gender nullification is the removal of all external genitalia except the urethral opening, typically pursued by people assigned male at birth.

Gender-affirming surgery can also refer to operations pursued by cisgender people, such as mammaplasty, penile implant, or testicular implants following orchiectomy.

Gender-affirming surgery is often sensationalized and misrepresented by anti-trans activists through terms such as genital-mutilation surgery.

Surgical procedures

Main articles: Feminizing gender-affirming surgery and Masculinizing gender-affirming surgery

Genital surgery

Trans women

Further information: Feminizing gender-affirming surgery § Vaginoplasty

For trans women, genital reconstruction usually involves surgical construction of a vagina. The most common techniques are penile inversion, rectosigmoid vaginoplasty and peritoneal pullthrough vaginoplasty (PPT). Another technique, the non-penile inversion technique, uses perforated scrotal tissue to construct the vaginal canal.

Trans men

Further information: Masculinizing gender-affirming surgery § Genital reassignment

For trans men, genital reconstruction may involve the construction of a penis through either phalloplasty or metoidioplasty.

Non-binary people

For non-binary people, both the same operations as binary trans people of the same sex assignment and bigenital or gender nullification surgeries are available. Bigenital operations include androgynoplasty, a procedure that retains the penis, or vagina-preserving phalloplasty. These procedures tend to be rarely performed. In 2017, one of the leading UK trans surgeons, James Bellringer, commented that he had never received a request for it.

Other considerations

Genital surgery may also involve other medically necessary procedures, such as orchiectomy, penectomy, or vaginectomy. Complications of penile inversion vaginoplasty are mostly minor; however, rectoneovaginal fistula (abnormal connection between the neovagina and the rectum) can occur in about 1–3% of patients. These require further surgery to correct.

Other surgeries

Transgender man with healed double incision chest reconstruction, 2020

As underscored by WPATH, gender transition may entail a variety of non-genital surgeries that change primary or secondary sex characteristics, any of which are considered "gender-affirming surgery" when done to affirm a person's gender identity. For trans men, these may include mastectomy (removal of the breasts) and chest reconstruction (the shaping of a male-contoured chest), or hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes). For some trans women, facial feminization surgery, hair transplants, and breast augmentation are also aesthetic components of their surgical treatment.

Scope and procedures

The best-known gender-affirming procedures are those that reshape the genitals, which are also known as genital reassignment surgery, genital reconstruction surgery, sex reassignment surgery, and bottom surgery (the latter is named in contrast to top surgery, which is surgery to the breasts). However, the meaning of "sex reassignment surgery" has been clarified by the medical organization, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), to include any of a larger number of surgical procedures performed as part of a medical treatment for gender dysphoria.

WPATH says medically necessary gender-affirming surgeries include "complete hysterectomy, bilateral mastectomy, chest reconstruction or augmentation ... including breast prostheses if necessary, genital reconstruction (by various techniques which must be appropriate to each patient ...)... and certain facial plastic reconstruction." Other non-surgical procedures are also considered medically necessary treatments by WPATH, including facial hair electrolysis.

Voice feminizing surgery is a procedure in which the overall pitch range of the patient's voice is reduced.

Adam's apple reduction surgery (chondrolaryngoplasty) or tracheal shaving is a procedure in which the most prominent part of the thyroid cartilage is reduced.

There is also Adam's apple enhancement therapy, in which cartilage is used to bring out the Adam's apple in female-to-male patients.

History

Reports of people seeking gender-confirming surgery (vaginoplasty) go back to the 2nd century, such as Roman Emperor Elagabalus.

20th century

In the US in 1917, Alan L. Hart, an American tuberculosis specialist, became one of the first trans men to undergo hysterectomy and gonadectomy as treatment of what is now called gender dysphoria.

Dora Richter is the first known trans woman to undergo complete male-to-female genital surgery. She was one of several transgender people in the care of sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld at Berlin's Institute for Sexual Research. In 1922, Richter underwent orchiectomy. In early 1931, a penectomy, followed in June by vaginoplasty.

In 1930-1931, Lili Elbe underwent four sex reassignment surgeries, including orchiectomy, an ovarian transplant, and penectomy. In June 1931, she underwent her fourth surgery, including an experimental uterine transplant and vaginoplasty, which she hoped would allow her to give birth. However, her body rejected the transplanted uterus, and she died of post-operative complications in September, at age 48.

A previous sex reassignment surgery patient was Magnus Hirschfeld's housekeeper, but their name has not been discovered.

Elmer Belt may have been the first U.S. surgeon to perform gender affirmation surgery, in about 1950.

In 1951, Harold Gillies, a plastic surgeon active in World War II, worked to develop the first technique for female-to-male gender-affirming surgery, producing a technique that has become a modern standard, called phalloplasty. Phalloplasty is a cosmetic procedure that produces a visual penis out of grafted tissue from the patient.

In 1971, Roberto Farina performed Brazil's first male-to-female gender-affirming surgery.

In 1984, Jalma Jurado developed a new surgical technique, which he used in surgeries for more than 500 trans women in Brazil and from around the world.

Following phalloplasty, in 1999, the procedure for metoidioplasty was developed for female-to-male surgical transition by the doctors Lebovic and Laub. Considered a variant of phalloplasty, metoidioplasty works to create a penis out of the patient's present clitoris. This allows the patient to have a sensation-perceiving penis head. Metoidioplasty may be used in conjunction with phalloplasty to produce a larger, more "cis-appearing" penis in multiple stages.

21st century

On 12 June 2003, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of Carola van Kück, a German trans woman whose insurance company denied her reimbursement for sex reassignment surgery as well as hormone replacement therapy. The legal arguments related to the Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights as well as the Article 8. This affair is called van Kück vs Germany.

In 2011, Christiane Völling won the first successful case brought by an intersex person against a surgeon for non-consensual surgical intervention described by the International Commission of Jurists as "an example of an individual who was subjected to sex reassignment surgery without full knowledge or consent".

As of 2017, some European countries require forced sterilization for the legal recognition of sex reassignment. As of 2020, Japan also requires an individual to undergo sterilization to change their legal sex.

The early history of gender-affirming surgery in trans people has been reviewed by various authors.

Prevalence

The prevalence of transgender-related surgeries is difficult to measure and likely underestimated. In 2015, the largest survey of transgender people in the United States reported that 25% of respondents reported had undergone such a surgery.

Prior to surgery

Medical considerations

Some medical conditions, including diabetes, asthma, and HIV, can lead to complications with future therapy and pharmacological management. Typical gender-affirming surgery procedures involve complex medication regimens, including sex-hormone therapy, throughout and after surgery. Typically, a patient's treatment involves a healthcare team consisting of a variety of providers including endocrinologists, whom the surgeon may consult when determining if the patient is physically fit for surgery. Health providers including pharmacists can play a role in maintaining safe and cost-effective regimens, providing patient education, and addressing other health issues including smoking cessation and weight loss.

People with HIV or hepatitis C may have difficulty finding a surgeon able to perform successful surgery. Many surgeons operate in small private clinics that cannot treat potential complications in these populations. Some surgeons charge higher fees for HIV and hepatitis C-positive patients; other medical professionals assert that it is unethical to deny surgical or hormonal treatments to transgender people solely on the basis of their HIV or hepatitis status.

Fertility is also a factor considered in gender-affirming surgery, as patients are typically informed that if an orchiectomy or oöphoro-hysterectomy is performed, it will make them irreversibly infertile.

Gender dysphoric children

Gender-affirming surgery is generally not performed on children under 18, though in rare cases may be performed on adolescents if health care providers agree there is an unusual benefit to doing so or risk to not performing it. Preferred treatments for children include puberty blockers, which are thought to have some reversible physical changes, and sex hormones, which reduce the need for future surgery. Medical protocols typically require long-term mental health counseling to verify persistent and genuine gender dysphoria before any intervention, and consent of a parent or guardian or court order is legally required in most jurisdictions.

Intersex children and cases of trauma

Main article: Sex assignment § Assignment in cases of infants with intersex traits, or cases of trauma

Infants born with intersex conditions might undergo interventions at or close to birth. This is controversial because of the human rights implications.

There can be negative outcomes (including PTSD and suicide) when the surgically assigned gender does not match the person's gender identity, which will be realized by the person only later in life. Milton Diamond at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii recommended that physicians not perform surgery on children until they are old enough to give informed consent and to assign such infants in the gender to which they will probably best adjust. Diamond believed introducing children to others with differences of sex development could help remove shame and stigma. Diamond considered the intersex condition as a difference of sex development, not as a disorder.

Standards of care

See also: Transgender rights

Gender-affirming surgery can be hard to obtain due to financial barriers, insurance coverage, and lack of providers. A growing number of surgeons are now training to perform such surgeries. In many regions, a person's pursuit of gender-affirming surgery is often governed, or at least guided, by documents called Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People (SOC). The most widespread SOC in this field is published and often revised by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH, formerly the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association or HBIGDA). Many jurisdictions and medical boards in the US and other countries recognize the WPATH Standards of Care for the treatment of transgender individuals. Some treatment may require a minimum duration of psychological evaluation and living as a member of the target gender full-time, sometimes called the real life experience (RLE) (sometimes mistakenly called the real life test ) before sex reassignment surgeries are covered by insurance.

Standards of Care usually give certain very specific "minimum" requirements as guidelines for progressing with treatment, causing them to be highly controversial and often maligned documents among transgender patients seeking surgery. Alternative local standards of care exist, such as in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Much of the criticism surrounding the WPATH/HBIGDA-SOC applies to these as well, and some of these SOCs (mostly European SOC) are actually based on much older versions of the WPATH SOC. Other SOCs are entirely independent of the WPATH. The criteria of many of those SOCs are stricter than the latest revision of the WPATH-SOC. Many qualified surgeons in North America and many in Europe adhere almost unswervingly to the WPATH SOC or other SOCs. However, in the United States many experienced surgeons are able to apply the WPATH SOC in ways which respond to an individual's medical circumstances, as is consistent with the SOC.

Many surgeons require two letters of recommendation for gender-affirming surgery. At least one of these letters must be from a mental health professional experienced in diagnosing gender identity disorder (now recognized as gender dysphoria), who has known the patient for over a year. Letters must state that sex reassignment surgery is the correct course of treatment for the patient.

Many medical professionals and many professional associations have stated that surgical interventions should not be required for transsexual individuals to change sex designation on identity documents. However, depending on the legal requirements of many jurisdictions, transsexual and transgender people are often unable to change the listing of their sex in public records unless they can furnish a physician's letter attesting that sex reassignment surgery has been performed. In some jurisdictions legal gender change is prohibited in any circumstances, even after genital or other surgery or treatment.

Insurance

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A growing number of public and commercial health insurance plans in the US now contain defined benefits covering sex reassignment-related procedures, usually including genital reconstruction surgery (MTF and FTM), chest reconstruction (FTM), breast augmentation (MTF), and hysterectomy (FTM). For patients to qualify for insurance coverage, certain insurance plans may require proof of the following:

  • a written initial assessment by a qualified licensed mental health professional
  • persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
  • months of prior physician-supervised hormone therapy

In June 2008, the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates stated that the denial to patients with gender dysphoria or otherwise covered benefits represents discrimination, and that the AMA supports "public and private health insurance coverage for treatment for gender dysphoria as recommended by the patient's physician." Other organizations have issued similar statements, including WPATH, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of Social Workers.

In 2017, the United States Defense Health Agency for the first time approved payment for sex reassignment surgery for an active-duty U.S. military service member. The patient, an infantry soldier who is a trans woman, had already begun a course of treatment for gender reassignment. The procedure, which the treating doctor deemed medically necessary, was performed on 14 November at a private hospital, since US military hospitals lack the requisite surgical expertise.

Post-procedural considerations

Quality of life

Clinical research on long-term quality-of-life outcomes following surgery is limited and confounded by various factors, including small sample sizes, and baseline rates of mental health issues and suicide among transgender people compared to the general population.

A 2020 meta-analysis found "evidence of low quality" that gender-affirming surgery, particularly chest reconstruction for trans men, improves quality of life. A 2024 systematic review found that genital surgeries significantly improved depression and dissociation, with "mixed results" for other mental health outcomes.

A secondary analysis of the U.S. Transgender Survey found that gender-affirming surgery was significantly associated with lower rates of psychological distress, smoking, and suicidal ideation, compared to rates among respondents who desired surgery but had not undergone it. This was the largest controlled study on the subject to date (N=19,960), though the design of the survey and self-reported responses introduced some limitations and possible response bias.

A 2021 review found that less than 1% of 7,928 patients regretted gender-affirming surgery.

Psychological and social consequences

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A 2009 review in the International Journal of Transgenderism found that from 1998 onward, studies have shown that "the whole process of gender reassignment is effective in relieving gender dysphoria and that its positive results greatly outweighed any negative consequences", but noted methodological issues in many studies, particularly older ones. A 2010 meta-analysis in Clinical Endocrinology noted the lack of randomization and control groups and reliance of self-reporting in the studies it reviewed, reaching the conclusion "Very low quality evidence suggests that hormonal therapies given to individuals with GID as a part of sex reassignment are likely to improve gender dysphoria, psychological functioning and comorbidities, sexual function and overall quality of life."

Smith et al. (2001) found that among 20 patients, anxiety, depression and hostility levels were lower after gender-affirming surgery. Wierckx et al. (2011), in a study of 49 trans men, found them in good self-perceived physical and mental health. Dhejne et al. (2011), in a study following 324 trans people who received gender-affirming surgery from 1973 to 2003, found that they "have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behaviour, and psychiatric morbidity than the general population"; concluding, "sex reassignment, although alleviating gender dysphoria, may not suffice as treatment for transsexualism". Lawrence (2003), in a study of 232 trans women who underwent surgery in 1994-2000, found "None reported outright regret and only a few expressed even occasional regret."

Risk categories for post-operative regret include being older, having characterized personality disorders with personal and social instability, lacking family support, lacking sexual activity, and expressing dissatisfaction with the results of surgery. During the process of gender-affirming surgery, transgender people may become victims of different social obstacles such as discrimination, prejudice and stigmatizing behaviours. The rejection faced by trans people is much more severe than what is experienced by lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. The hostile environment may trigger or worsen internalized transphobia, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

Many patients perceive the outcome of the surgery as not only medically but also psychologically important. Social support can help them to relate to their minority identity, ascertain their trans identity and reduce minority stress.

Sexuality

Looking specifically at transsexual people's genital sensitivities, both trans men and trans women are capable of maintaining their genital sensitivities after gender-affirming surgery. However, these are counted upon the procedures and surgical tricks which are used to preserve the sensitivity. Considering the importance of genital sensitivity in helping transsexuals to avoid unnecessary harm or injury to the genitals, allowing trans men to obtain erection by inserting a penile implant after phalloplasty, the ability of trans people to experience erogenous and tactile sensitivity in their reconstructed genitals is one of the essential objectives surgeons want to achieve in gender-affirming surgery. Moreover, studies have also found that the critical procedure for genital sensitivity maintenance and achieving orgasm after phalloplasty is to preserve both the clitoral hood and the clitoris underneath the reconstructed phallus.

Erogenous sensitivity is measured by the abilities to reach orgasm in genital sexual activities, like masturbation and intercourse. Many studies reviewed that both trans men and trans women have reported an increase of orgasms in both sexual activities, implying the possibilities to maintain or even enhance genital sensitivity after gender-affirming surgery.

Most trans persons report enjoying better sex lives and improved sexual satisfaction after gender-affirming surgery. The enhancement of sexual satisfaction was positively related to the satisfaction of new primary sex characteristics. Before gender-affirming surgery, trans patients had unwanted sex organs which they were eager to remove. Hence, they were not enthusiastic about engaging in sexual activity. Transsexual individuals who have undergone gender-affirming surgery are more satisfied with their bodies and experienced less stress when participating in sexual activity.

Most of the individuals report that they have experienced sexual excitement during sexual activity, including masturbation. The ability to obtain orgasm is positively associated with sexual satisfaction. Frequency and intensity of orgasm are substantially different for trans men and trans women. Almost all female-to-male individuals revealed an increase in sexual excitement and can achieve orgasm through sexual activity with a partner or via masturbation, whereas only 85% of the male-to-female individuals are able to achieve orgasm after gender-affirming surgery. A study found that both trans men and trans women reported qualitative change in their experience of orgasm. The female-to-male trans individuals reported that they had been experiencing intensified and stronger excitements and orgasm while male-to-female persons have been encountering longer and more gentle feelings.

Rates of masturbation have also changed after gender-affirming surgery for both trans women and trans men. A study reported an overall increase of masturbation frequencies in most transsexuals and 78% of them were able to reach orgasm by masturbation after gender-affirming surgery. A study showed that there were differences in masturbation frequency between trans men and trans women; female-to-male individuals masturbated more often than male-to-female. The possible reasons for the difference in masturbation frequency could be associated with the surge of libido, which was caused by the testosterone therapies, or the withdrawal of gender dysphoria.

Concerning trans people's expectations for different aspects of their life, the sexual aspects have the lowest level of satisfaction among all other elements (physical, emotional and social levels). When comparing trans with cisgender persons of the same gender, trans women had a similar sexual satisfaction to cis women, but trans men had a lower level of sexual satisfaction to cis men. Moreover, trans men also had a lower sexual satisfaction with their sexual life than trans women.

Legal status

Main article: Legal status of gender-affirming healthcare

See also

Notes

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