Some people feel a difference between their biological sex and their gender identity. Biological gender means the gender a person is born with, and gender identity is the same feeling that a person has. This difference can be associated with discomfort, depression and anxiety for people. Although the main cause of sexual disturbance is not completely clear, but research shows that this condition can be caused by changes in sexual development and due to hormonal differences.

Gender reassignment, whether from male to female or from female to male, is a very complex process, including psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy, hormone therapy, and finally surgery. Gender reassignment is an irreversible surgery, so people who intend to perform this surgery should carefully consider all aspects of it.

Gender reassignment surgery

Gender reassignment is a surgery that is performed to change the gender of people suffering from sexual dysphoria to their desired gender. Gender reassignment is equivalent to Sex Reassignment Surgery in English. This surgical procedure includes genital reconstruction surgery, chest reconstruction, breast enlargement and hysterectomy. These patients are first subjected to hormone therapy. Hormones cause the suppression of secondary sexual characteristics in a person and the appearance of desired gender characteristics. Sometimes patients are asked to live in their desired gender for a period of time, for example, one year, before surgery. For example, a man with gender dysphoria may start dressing as a woman, change his name, and use female pronouns to address himself in conversation.

Gender reassignment itself involves several surgeries. In male-to-female gender reassignment, the testicles and penis are removed, as well as the prostate gland. Then, the penile tissue is used to make the vagina and clitoris. The urethra, which carries urine out of the bladder, must also be shortened. Many men with gender dysphoria, in addition to genital surgery, perform feminization surgery in other areas of the body, such as: breast implants, changing the shape of the lips, eyes, and nose. Reassignment surgery from female to male is more complicated and expensive. . The breasts and organs of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and uterus, are removed and the vagina is closed. The penis and scrotum may be made from other tissue, such as the intestine. In some cases, penile implants are used.

Continuing psychotherapy is recommended for most patients to adapt to their new body and lifestyle. Not all people with sexual disorders undergo gender reassignment. Some feel comfortable living as the opposite sex without having surgery. Others find that hormone therapy is sufficient for their personal needs.

Male to female surgical care

• The patient stays in the hospital for three days for the recovery period.
• It is possible to do light work, four to six weeks after the surgery. Doing intense physical activities should be avoided for six to eight weeks
• At first, the dilator is placed inside the vagina
• Painkillers should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

Female to male surgical care

• The patient needs to stay in the hospital for two days.
• The patient can do light work two weeks later, but avoid sports and heavy physical work for four to six weeks.
• A special garment must be worn for six weeks during the recovery period.
• Over time, the amount of pain will decrease and the patient can take the painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
• The stitches will be removed about a week later.

Diet after gender reassignment surgery

• It is recommended that the patient have a liquid diet the day after surgery
• The diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables and fiber, especially for the first few weeks after surgery.
• Smoking should be avoided.
• Diet should contain low sodium. Because sodium causes water and fluid retention.
• Drinking alcohol should be kept to a minimum for the first few weeks after surgery.

Pregnancy after gender reassignment

One of the common questions of trans people about pregnancy after gender reassignment is whether they can have children after surgery. You should note that trans people will not be able to have children after gender reassignment surgery. In case a person insists on having a child, he must save sperm or eggs before starting the surgical procedures.

Temporary side effects of gender reassignment surgery

• Psychological, physical and hormonal changes are among the most common side effects of gender reassignment surgery
• It may take time for a person to cope with these changes.
• This surgical method is associated with changes in the genital area. Alternatively, hormones that regulate secondary sex characteristics such as voice changes and hair growth will also be affected.
• The patient may need to undergo other treatments in order to change the hormones.

Conclusion

Sex determination surgeries all consist of a series of steps and all these surgeries require very high precision and finesse. A highly specialized plastic surgeon can determine the best result for the applicant by examining the patient’s physical conditions and all aspects. It is also better for the patient to talk to the doctor about his priorities and ideals