Gender-affirming surgery

Gender-affirming surgery, also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS), gender reassignment surgery (GRS), or gender confirmation surgery (GCS), refers to surgical procedures that alter an individual's physical appearance and existing sexual characteristics to resemble those typically associated with their identified gender. It is part of a treatment for gender dysphoria in transgender people.

Overview[edit | edit source]

These procedures are one component of the comprehensive care for transgender individuals, which may also include mental health services, hormone therapy, voice therapy, and various forms of social support. Not all transgender individuals choose or require surgery as part of their transition. Decisions about health care interventions are highly individual and should be determined in consultation with health care professionals and mental health professionals experienced in transgender health.

Types of Surgeries[edit | edit source]

Gender-affirming surgeries can be categorized into two main types: top surgeries and bottom surgeries.

Top Surgeries[edit | edit source]

Top surgery typically involves breast augmentation or mastectomy. For transgender women, this could involve breast augmentation, while for transgender men, this could mean chest masculinization surgery (or "top surgery"), which is a type of mastectomy.

Bottom Surgeries[edit | edit source]

Bottom surgery generally refers to surgeries involving the genitalia and reproductive organs. These surgeries can be complex and may require multiple procedures over time.

For transgender women, this can include:

Vaginoplasty: Construction of a vagina, which may involve penile inversion or the use of a segment of colon.
Orchiectomy: Removal of the testes.
Labiaplasty: Construction or modification of the labia.

For transgender men, this can include:

Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.
Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries.
Phalloplasty: Construction of a penis using tissue from another part of the body, such as the forearm or thigh.
Metoidioplasty: A procedure that modifies the clitoris (which may have been enlarged through hormone therapy) into a penis.
Scrotoplasty: Construction of a scrotum, usually involving the use of testicular prostheses.

Risks and Considerations[edit | edit source]

As with any surgical procedure, gender-affirming surgeries carry potential risks, including infection, poor wound healing, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results. There may also be complications specific to the type of surgery. It is important for individuals considering these surgeries to discuss these potential risks with their health care provider.

Legal and Ethical Considerations[edit | edit source]

Access to gender-affirming surgery is a matter of human rights and has been recognized as such by numerous professional organizations, including the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). However, the availability of these surgeries and insurance coverage for them varies widely around the world.

External links[edit | edit source]

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

Gender-affirming surgery Resources
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