A transsexual person identifies as a different gender than the one assigned at birth. Transgender people can undergo a number of medical procedures to match their bodies to their gender identities.
Many countries require proof of sex reassignment surgery to update gender markers in passports, making international travel difficult for trans individuals. They also face employment discrimination.
Physical Changes
People who are transgender can undergo surgeries and hormone treatments to change the gender of their body. Many of these procedures are expensive and may not be covered by health insurance. Some trans people, like Caitlyn Jenner, prefer to skip them. Others don’t feel the need for surgery or hormones and are satisfied with their bodies.
In addition to causing secondary sex characteristics, hormone therapy can cause changes to bone density and blood pressure in trans men and women. A study using the Short Form Health Survey found that gender-affirming hormones can have a positive impact on quality of life (QoL).
Taking estrogen for a long period of time can also lead to ovarian cysts, breast development and clitoromegaly in trans women and prostate growth and enlarged penis in trans men. Puberty blockers are available to prevent sex hormone production, and they can be prescribed by medical professionals who specialize in transgender care. If you choose to take hormones, be sure to get them from a healthcare professional who’s trans-friendly and in your health insurance network.
Gender Identity Disorder
Gender dysphoria occurs when the sex you were assigned at birth doesn’t match your gender identity. This can be a problem because it affects the way others treat you. In addition, you may experience discomfort and distress.
One of the most common social changes transgender people make is changing their appearance to match their desired sex. This can include adopting a new name, changing sex designation on identity documents and undergoing medical procedures that alter physical characteristics.
Some transgender people also wish to revert back to their biological sex. This is commonly referred to as “reverse transsexualism.” This wish to revert has been linked with a higher risk of being sexually aroused by cross-dressing, and it’s also associated with a desire for a more feminine body in female-to-male transgender people. However, reversing back to your biological sex is not an option for all transgender people and it’s often impossible for those who are born male to do so without the help of hormone therapy or surgery.
Sex Reassignment Surgery
Some people may want to have a surgical change in the gender markers of their birth certificate and other legal documents. This process is called sex reassignment surgery (SRS). It can include removing the penis and scrotum or building a vagina and labia for transwomen or constructing a sphincter for transmen. It can also involve facial surgery such as rhinoplasty or breast implants.
Hormone therapy is often a part of the transitioning process. This is sometimes referred to as hormone treatment or sex affirming therapy. It is similar to going through puberty again, but this time it helps the person feel more aligned with their true gender.
Be as accepting and open-minded as possible about your friend or loved one’s journey. Support them in their choice of pronouns and respect the names they use. Showing acceptance of who they are can be the most helpful thing you do. Also, be careful when you discuss their transition with others and make sure you don’t use offensive language.
Legal Issues
There are many legal issues that transgender people face, including laws governing names and gender identity. These laws affect areas such as employment, health care, housing and civil rights. They also include laws governing the legal name and gender on birth certificates, ID cards, social security records and other official documents.
As a result, it is important for trans adults to take steps to ensure that they have the right legal name and gender on all documentation. This includes getting a court-ordered name change and changing your birth certificate. It is also a good idea to write a will and power of attorney.
Some governments, such as Japan’s, require transgender men to undergo sterilization before they can legally change their legal gender. This policy is based on hypothetical fears of negative social outcomes, and it contradicts international medical and human rights standards.