Gender refers to the duties, behaviors, activities, expectations, and cultural standards that come with being male, female, a combination of the two, or neither. It is a complicated and comprehensive term that extends beyond the binary idea of male and female identities and expressions.
Transsexuality
Gender differs from biological sex, which is determined by physical and genetic characteristics. While sex is normally classified as either male or female, gender is a more flexible and socially created notion encompassing identities such as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and others.
Gender identity refers to how a person individually perceives and defines their gender, which may or may not correspond to their given sex at birth. Understanding gender is critical for accepting and recognizing human variety.
Gender dysphoria, a disorder in which an individual’s gender identity differs from their given sex at birth, has received a lot of attention in recent years. Gender-affirming operations are becoming available as a therapeutic option in the medical industry as society grows more accepting and understanding. However, the proper age for such treatments is still being debated.
Gender-affirming surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery or gender reassignment surgery, is a group of operations that assist people in transitioning to their assigned gender. Chest or breast enlargement, genital reconstruction, face feminization surgery, and other procedures may be performed. They are significant because they help to ease gender dysphoria, a psychological suffering that occurs when a person’s gender identity does not match their physical attributes.
In this article, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of postponing gender-affirming surgery until maturity in order to ensure the highest level of safety for those considering these treatments.
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Dr. Eziokwu Fab-Emerenini a senior Editor at Gilmore Health, who is well versed in gender-affirming therapy, was interviewed.
Thank you for joining us, Dr. Eziokwu Fab-Emerenini.
Could you kindly explain why waiting until maturity to get gender-affirming surgery is typically seen as the safest option?
Dr. Eziokwu Fab-Emerenini: Thank you so much for having me. Deferring gender-affirming surgery until maturity helps people to better understand their own gender identity. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and it is critical to allow young people to explore their experiences and emotions fully. Rushing into surgery at this developmental period may result in later regrets or unhappiness. One of the key concerns is that certain operations are irreversible. For example, genital reconstructive procedures cannot be reversed, therefore individuals must be confident of their gender identification. Furthermore, younger patients may not completely comprehend the long-term implications and complications of surgery, which might lead to regrets later in life.
What are the hazards of having gender-affirming surgery at a younger age?
Gender-affirming surgery at a younger age can be risky due to factors such as limited emotional maturity, incomplete physical development, regret, physical complications, hormonal imbalances, psychological challenges, lack of informed consent, financial considerations, a lack of a strong support system, and medical follow-up. Younger people may not have completely acquired emotional maturity and self-awareness, making lifetime decisions about their body and gender identity problematic. Hormone treatment can also have an effect on the body’s natural growth, perhaps resulting in hormonal imbalances or reproductive concerns. Furthermore, because young people may not have built a solid support structure, it is critical to give emotional and practical assistance throughout the process.
How may postponing surgery assist people seeking gender-affirming procedures?
Postponing gender-affirming surgery can have a number of advantages, including increased clarity of gender identity, emotional readiness, better physical development, less regret, financial planning, access to support networks, healthcare access, legal considerations, hormone therapy assessment, and ongoing mental health support. Delaying surgery helps people save money, create stronger support networks, better navigate the healthcare system, handle legal concerns, and evaluate the effects of hormone treatment before surgery. It also enables patients to continue mental health counseling and assistance to address underlying issues and prepare for the emotional implications of surgery. The choice to postpone or proceed with surgery, on the other hand, should be highly individualized, with healthcare practitioners and mental health specialists collaborating closely to make educated decisions that correspond with individual requirements and circumstances.
Some claim that postponing surgery may create suffering in those who have severe gender dysphoria. What are your opinions on the matter?
I prioritize my patients’ well-being and consider deferring gender-affirming surgery based on their particular health and needs. While some individuals may enjoy quick relief from gender dysphoria, postponing surgery may cause them to suffer longer. Surgery is a personal and difficult decision, and deferring it may be smart for emotional preparedness, physical growth, and a supportive environment. Open communication, detailed exams, psychological support, and collaboration with competent gender specialists are all part of my approach. The objective is to offer holistic treatment that takes into account the patient’s long-term physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, resulting in a healthier life.
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Are there any disadvantages to postponing surgery?
While postponing surgery provides advantages, it is vital to recognize that it may generate dissatisfaction or impatience in certain people. Waiting until maturity can be difficult, particularly when dysphoria is severe. However, it is critical to prioritize persons seeking gender-affirming operations’ overall well-being and long-term contentment.
What recommendations would you provide to anyone considering gender-affirming surgery?
When considering gender-affirming surgery, it is critical to prioritize your long-term health. Consider the possible dangers, advantages, and influences on your overall health and quality of life. Keep in mind that each person’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not be the best path for another.
Making an informed decision regarding gender-affirming surgery necessitates extensive research and consultation with medical specialists with transgender healthcare expertise. They may offer helpful insights, address your questions and concerns, and guide you through the process.
It is critical to surround oneself with a supportive network of friends, family, and communities that can give emotional support along this journey. Seek out services that can provide assistance and understanding, such as support groups, therapists, and LGBTQ+ organizations.
Take the time to investigate your thoughts and get expert help, in my opinion. Participate in counseling to obtain a better grasp of your gender identity and the possible consequences of surgery. Surround yourself with caring friends, family, and communities that can offer emotional support.
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Finally, deferring gender-affirming surgery until maturity allows individuals to thoroughly explore their gender identity, ensuring that their decision is founded on a solid foundation of self-awareness. While there may be obstacles and frustrations along the road, it is critical to prioritize long-term contentment and general well-being. We can assure the safest and most rewarding outcome for persons considering gender-affirming operations by offering extensive mental health assistance and appropriate medical interventions. Finally, the choice to have gender-affirming surgery is profoundly personal and should be undertaken with caution. Delaying the treatment until maturity allows individuals to completely explore their gender identity and guarantee that their decision is made with self-awareness and knowledge.
It is important to note that the choice to have gender-affirming surgery is a personal one that should be taken with care and contemplation. You may match your physical body with your actual self, promote authenticity, and improve your overall well-being by fully investigating your gender identity, getting assistance, and making an educated choice.
Thank you very much Dr. Eziokwu Fab-Emerenini for sharing your insight on this topic with us.
Dr. Eziokwu Fab-Emerenini: You’re welcome.
References
Bizic, M. R., Jeftovic, M., Pusica, S., Stojanovic, B., Duisin, D., Vujovic, S., Rakic, V., & Djordjevic, M. L. (2018). Gender Dysphoria: Bioethical Aspects of Medical Treatment. BioMed Research International, 2018, Article ID 9652305. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9652305
Matouk, K. M., & Wald, M. (2022). Gender-affirming Care Saves Lives. Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/gender-affirming-care-saves-lives
