Can gender dysphoria be treated with surgery?

Gender dysphoria, also known as gender incongruence, may be treated surgically if patients wish to change their physical sex characteristics to better align with their gender identity. However, surgery should not be performed if surgical contraindications exist or if the patient has not undergone sufficient psychological evaluation. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical consultation in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Gender dysphoria is a psychological condition characterized by a discrepancy between a patient's gender identity and their biological sex. Patients can undergo surgery to change their physical sex characteristics, thereby making their appearance more consistent with their gender identity. This can, to some extent, alleviate negative emotions such as anxiety and depression caused by the inconsistency between gender identity and biological sex. Female-to-male patients may undergo surgeries such as mastectomy, hysterectomy, and oophorectomy, while male-to-female patients may undergo procedures such as breast augmentation and vaginoplasty. However, surgery carries risks and must be performed by qualified and experienced physicians.

If patients have contraindications for surgery, such as severe heart disease, mental illness, or infectious diseases, they are not suitable candidates for surgical treatment. Additionally, surgery is not recommended for patients who have not undergone adequate psychological evaluation or who have doubts or confusion regarding their gender identity and social adjustment after surgery. Surgical treatment may not resolve internal psychological gender identity issues or alleviate gender dysphoria.

Decisions regarding surgical treatment for patients with gender dysphoria must be made based on a full understanding of the risks and consequences of surgery. Patients need to be adequately psychologically prepared to accept the physical and emotional changes that surgery may bring.