Sex reassignment, also known as transsexuality, involves altering a person’s reproductive organs through plastic surgery, such as tissue transplantation and organ reconstruction. This allows individuals with transsexualism (transsexualism), who deny their own gender and external genitalia, to transform their biological sex to align with their psychological gender. Because individuals with transsexualism are often misunderstood and unaccepted by society and their families, this can lead to unique psychological states. Therefore, special attention should be paid to psychological care for transsexuals to help them better adapt to their new roles and integrate into society.
Applicable people
Sex reassignment is suitable for people with confirmed transsexualism.
Taboo groups
1. Family members who oppose the application.
2. Those whose physical condition does not allow it.
3. People with sexual diseases.
4. Those who are not sure whether they want to change their gender.
Technical/surgical risks
1. Fertility Issues: Sex reassignment does not completely feminize or masculinize the patient physiologically, anatomically, or functionally. Therefore, whether male to female or female to male, the patient does not have the corresponding reproductive capacity.
2. Endocrine disorders: Patients need to take male hormones or female hormones regularly after surgery, which will bring many side effects to patients, such as endocrine disorders.
Postoperative care
Sex reassignment surgery includes both male-to-female and female-to-male sex reassignment surgery. Here, we use male-to-female sex reassignment surgery as an example. Postoperative care should include local nursing, psychological care, medication management, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle behavior management.
1. Local care: Keep the surgical site clean and dry, avoid water and touch to prevent infection; follow the doctor’s instructions to use infrared irradiation to promote healing.
2. Psychological care: Maintain a calm and stable state of mind; build gender self-confidence by changing your voice and adjusting your clothing.
3. Drug management: Patients with severe pain can take painkillers as prescribed by the doctor; since the gonads have been removed, patients may experience endocrine disorders and should supplement hormones as prescribed by the doctor if necessary.
4. Diet adjustment: Drink a small amount of boiled water and juice before passing gas, and do not eat gas-producing foods. After passing gas, change to semi-liquid food that is high in protein, high in vitamins, high in calories, and low in fat.
5. Lifestyle management: Use the mold to dilate the vagina as directed by the doctor. Closely observe the color changes of the artificial vagina and the characteristics of the secretions during dilation. Maintain regular sexual life or use a vaginal mold 2-3 months after the operation to prevent the occurrence of vaginal stenosis.
Preoperative precautions
1. A diagnosis certificate of transsexualism issued by a psychiatrist, which also proves that there are no other mental abnormalities; tests by psychology experts prove that the psychological sexual orientation is towards the opposite sex and there are no other psychological abnormalities.
2. A certificate of no criminal record issued by the local public security department.
3. I request a written report of the surgery and have it notarized.
4. Relevant proof that the applicant has informed his/her immediate family members of the intended sex reassignment surgery.
5. Communicate with the doctor, understand the complete surgical process and risks, and be mentally prepared.
6. Complete preoperative examinations, such as blood routine and coagulation function, to rule out surgical contraindications.
7. Stop taking anticoagulants as directed by your doctor.
8. Maintain a light diet one week before the operation and avoid spicy and irritating foods.
9. Ensure adequate rest and keep a relaxed and happy mood.
10. Women should avoid taking it during menstruation.
11. Take a shower one day before surgery and keep the treated area clean.
Surgical procedure
Sex reassignment surgery includes male-to-female and female-to-male sex reassignment surgery. Here, we use male-to-female sex reassignment surgery as an example. The surgical procedures typically include testicular and penis removal, vaginoplasty, breast augmentation, and Adam’s apple reshaping.