People experiencing GD or Gender Dysphoria has a distinct incompatibility between their experienced and assigned gender, resulting in incredible emotional turmoil and distress. According to Wikipedia, gender dysphoria is the mental distress experienced by an individual because of a mismatch between his gender identity-his personal sense of his own gender, and his sex or gender assigned at birth.
People who identify themselves as transgender are known to experience greater mental health issues, as compared to the general population. Moreover, statistics reveal that more than 41% of Trans women and men have attempted suicide which is almost 9X higher than suicide cases of cisgender Americans. What is the cause of this incredibly high rate of emotional distress or mental health issues? Emotional stress arises as a response to the societal stigma, abuse, or lack of acceptance regularly, as per Psychology Today.
It is crucial to get a thorough behavioral evaluation done to make an accurate diagnosis of gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a clinical condition and involves feelings of emotional turmoil or distress because of a pervasive and strong desire to become another gender of your inherent choice.
Table of Contents
Why Do People Opt For Gender Affirmation Surgery?
People may opt for gender affirmation surgery if they are seeking compatibility between their gender identity and physical body. People opt for gender affirmation surgery because they have been experiencing a clinical condition called gender dysphoria. It involves tremendous distress when the sex assigned to you at birth is incongruent with your gender identity. You may get in touch with Dr. Okada, a renowned surgeon and specialist in gender-affirming care.
How Popular Is Gender Affirmation Surgery?
According to the findings of various surveys, about one in every four transgender and also, non-binary individuals opt for gender affirmation surgery.
What Are The Steps Before Opting For Gender Affirmation Surgery?
Before the surgery, you should consult a reliable healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will assist you in understanding the associated benefits and risks of your surgery. You have to get ready with some paperwork or documentation to ensure that your insurance company will cover your gender-affirmation surgery. The necessary documentation should include:
- Health records demonstrate consistent gender dysphoria.
- Supporting letter from a trusted mental health provider, like a psychiatrist or social worker.
What Do You Understand By Sex Reassignment Surgery?
Sex reassignment surgery involves procedures to help individuals transition smoothly to their preferred or self-identified gender. Sex reassignment surgery is referred to as Gender Confirmation or Gender Affirmation surgery.
Different Kinds of Transgender Surgery
Gender-affirming surgery is effective in giving transgender individuals a physique that is compatible with their sexual characteristics. This surgical procedure may involve surgery on the chest, face, or genitalia. Some of the most common surgical options for transgender people are:
- Bottom or Genital Surgery for transforming and reconstructing the genitalia
- Top or Chest Surgery for removing breast tissue to gain a masculine appearance or enhancing your breast size and reshaping your breasts for a feminine appearance
- Facial Reconstructive Surgery for making facial features far more feminine or masculine
What Are the Other Treatment Options besides Gender Affirmation Surgery?
You may try hormone therapy recommended by your doctor to enhance feminine or masculine characteristics. You may use puberty blockers for preventing you from experiencing puberty. Many people opt for voice therapy for better communication.
Conclusion
Now that you know so much about gender affirmation surgery, you may not hesitate to go for it. Remember that gender-affirming surgery provides a host of positive health benefits and that may include lower rates of suicidal ideation, and psychological distress.