Talking to surgical healthcare experts would shed light on the benefits and risks of various surgical options available. It also ensures that we are aware of other non-surgical options available for sex affirming.
Proper counseling before undergoing this surgery ensures that the transition is smooth. This can prevent various mental health issues such as depression and anxiety in future. One of the crucial aspects of deciding to get a sex affirming surgery should start by knowing the answer for the question ” Why should I reassign my sex surgically?”.
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It is necessary to self analyze your thoughts and understand its root causes before delving into the surgery. This is where mental health support plays a major role. They help you to navigate through this process through scientifically accepted methods.
Another aspect to consider is the economic impact of the surgery. Countries like India where the health insurance cover does not comprise the majority of the population, such a decision as this might burn a big hole in your pocket.
Insurance companies often require specific documentation, such as health records confirming consistent gender dysphoria and a supportive letter from a mental health professional.
Most transgender men and women are abandoned socially by their parents and peers. In Spite of existing norms, there remain political loopholes which are used to abstain these people from job markets. In the case of failed sex reaffirmation surgery in the case of change of thoughts or belief systems due to unpredictable circumstances, a surgery to get it reversed might be expensive too.
All these aspects makes it even more important to make extreme considerations before deciding to undergo one,
What Happens During Transgender Surgery?
The surgical process varies based on the chosen procedure. Options include facial surgery, chest surgery, bottom surgery, or a combination. For transgender women (assigned male at birth), procedures may involve altering facial features, reducing the Adam’s apple, breast implant placement, and constructing a vagina and labia. For transgender men (assigned female at birth), options may include mastectomy, removal of ovaries and uterus, and constructing a penis and scrotum.
What Follows Gender Affirmation Surgery?
Recovery periods differ depending on the procedures. Surgery is a part of transitioning; ongoing collaboration with mental health professionals supports social transition and mental well-being.
Things Transmen Need to Know Before Undergoing GenderAffirmation Surgery/Sex Reassignment Surgery
Recovery:
After metoidioplasty, recovery may involve initial bleeding, genital swelling, bruising, nerve healing sensations, temporary numbness, and difficulty urinating when standing. Following phalloplasty, expect similar experiences along with scarring.
Hygiene and Aftercare:
Post-metoidioplasty hygiene includes applying antibiotic ointment and changing dressings. For phalloplasty, adhering to medical advice about skin grafts, bathing, and genital washing is essential.
Things Trans Women Need to Know Before Undergoing Gender Affirmation Surgery/Sex Reassignment Surgery
Recovery:
Regaining sexual sensations and experiencing orgasms might take time after surgery. Decreased libido might result from gender-affirming surgery, but hormone replacement therapy can help maintain it. Vaginal depth and lubrication vary based on surgical techniques.
Aftercare and Dilation:
Post-vaginoplasty dilation is crucial to maintaining depth. Orchidectomy might lead to mood swings, but mild testosterone replacement options exist.
Contraception and STIs:
Infection risk increases post-surgery. Condoms are vital for preventing STIs and vaginal bleeding.
Hygiene:
Post-vaginoplasty hygiene involves gentle cleaning and following medical guidance.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Extended bleeding, persistent pain, signs of infection, or any concerns about recovery require medical attention.
Is Gender Reassignment Surgery Against Nature?
According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, 80% of transgender men and 85% of transgender women reported being satisfied with their gender reassignment surgery.Studies show that transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming surgery experience sustained improvements in mental health, leading to reduced need for mental health treatment post-surgery (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Sex and sexual health tips for transgender women after gender-affirming surgery
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).
Like every other surgery there also lies various drawbacks of Sex Affirmation Surgery just like the dilation after surgery in the case of trans-women is a constant process and is often painful.
This surgery like every other surgery can have side effects such as bleeding, infection, sepsis,adverse reactions to anesthesia, and wound healing issues etc.
Since Gender Affirmation Surgery is not just a physical one, it also has a huge influence on mental conditions. In such cases achieving the aesthetic results expected by the patient remains crucial. When the desirable physical changes are not met, this can lead to further degradation of mental health. This can even lead to dissatisfaction and emotional distress (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
What transgender men can expect after gender-affirming surgery
Go to source).
The recovery period remains long for many surgical procedures , thus one must be ready to face the financial constraints during the healing process. Healing and recovery is both mental and physical and thus dealing with career and family can be a little challenging.
Despite all these, most individuals report improved quality of life after these surgeries, with satisfaction rates ranging from 94% to 100%, depending on the procedure.
Those consulting mental health professionals before surgery tend to be more satisfied with the results. Hence it is extremely important to frame constructive mental health sessions before making permanent decisions.
By considering all options and weighing all possibilities as a responsible human, we can also make changes in a way which does not affect ourselves or people around us.
To conclude, any process which benefits oneself and does not harm negatively,the economic, social or physical well-being of both the community and individual can be undertaken. But it is also indispensable to make sure that one remains responsible in decision making for any such permanent changes and also does not hamper his/her physical or mental health in the process and perform any procedure under medical supervision or professional guidance whenever is necessary.
References :
- Sex and sexual health tips for transgender women after gender-affirming surgery – (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/transgender-women-after-surgery)
- What transgender men can expect after gender-affirming surgery – (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/transgender-men-after-surgery)
Source: Medindia
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