Sex reassignment surgery
Sex reassignment surgery (SRS), also known as gender confirmation surgery or gender-affirming surgery, is a medical procedure or series of procedures by which a person's physical sex characteristics are altered to resemble those of their identified gender. The term is often used in the context of transgender individuals who choose to undergo such procedures as part of their transition.
Pronunciation
Sex reassignment surgery: /sɛks riːəˈsaɪnmənt ˈsɜːrdʒəri/
Etymology
The term "sex reassignment surgery" is derived from the medical practice of surgically altering the sex characteristics of an individual, a process known as "reassignment". The term has been in use since the mid-20th century, when such procedures first became medically possible.
Procedure
Sex reassignment surgery can involve various procedures, depending on the individual's needs and desires. For trans women, this may include vaginoplasty, breast augmentation, and facial feminization surgery. For trans men, procedures may include mastectomy, hysterectomy, and phalloplasty or metoidioplasty.
Related Terms
- Gender dysphoria: A psychological condition where a person experiences discomfort or distress because their biological sex does not align with their gender identity.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): A treatment often used in conjunction with SRS, where hormones of the identified gender are administered to help the individual develop secondary sex characteristics of that gender.
- Gender identity: A person's internal sense of their own gender, which may not align with their biological sex.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, sex reassignment surgery carries potential risks and complications. These may include infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. There may also be psychological and emotional challenges associated with the transition process.
See Also
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