Latest update March 31st, 2020 9:33 AM
What is sex reassignment surgery?
“Over the moon excited, terrified, scared, emotional,” is how Jetta’Mae Carlisle says she felt before her surgery.
In simple words, it is a surgery done to convert a male into a female or vice versa. If we specifically talk about mtf surgery (male to a female) surgery, it involves removing the penis (male sexual organ), reshaping the genital tissue, and construct a vagina (female sexual organ). Before undergoing the said surgery, the patient has to undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The question arises that who undergoes this surgery? The people who are identified as transgenders undergo sex reassignment surgery who are then called transsexual. Gender identity disorder also promotes one to go for this surgery.
Other factors involving sex reassignment
Before the surgery, the mental health of the patient is evaluated. This is conducted preferably by a psychologist who has previously dealt with people with gender dysphoria. Upon his decision, further arrangements will be made for the surgery. If we specifically talk about mtf surgery, gender change is not only related to reconstructing the genital area, the involvement of breasts, hormones, feelings, muscle mass and hair growth are also essential. Male to female surgery requires the male to consume progesterone supplementation that will make him more feminine, increasing the breast size, low pitched feminine voice, and decreasing the overall boy mass. Intake of these hormones may correct gender dysphoria and this the reason why 75% of the confused transgender do not go for the actual surgery as their feelings of gender confusion are eased.
Post-surgery complications
The mtf surgery does involve some complications after the surgery. The patient may or may not be able to conceive a child. Further, uncontrolled weight gain, anxiety, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high levels of liver enzymes. Counseling is really important after the surgery as the patient might feel confused and depressed after the procedure. Some of the patients might consider minor sex-change procedures enough to boost their morale. This may include breast enlargement (mtf) and mastectomies (ftm). In short, people go for a sex change to match their internal feelings with their outside look.
