Analysis of Gender-Affirming Surgeries to Improve Gender Dysphoria and Quality of Life in the United States.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of gender-affirming surgery (GAS) on quality of life and gender dysphoria (GD) among individuals in the United States. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, APA, CINAHL Combined, and LGBTQ+ Source from February 2017 to February 2023. Randomized controlled trials and case reports/case series that described GD, quality of life, and gender surgery in the context of the United States were included. Study Selection: Five independent reviewers analyzed the studies; conducted screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts; resolved any disagreements through multiple rounds of review; and manually eliminated duplicate references. Reasons for exclusion were documented. The comprehensive search yielded 864 potentially relevant studies, of which 11 were included in the final analysis. Data Extraction: For data analysis, the authors recorded information including mean age, gender assigned at birth, race, sample size, type of GAS, and measures/ questionnaires used to assess GD before and after surgery, concurrent therapies, history of mental health illnesses, and postoperative complications.

Results

The results showed that after the participants received combined procedures on the face, chest, or genitalia, there was a significant improvement in self-worth, social and psychological well-being, and sexual and physical appearance satisfaction, improving overall quality of life and GD.

Conclusions

Gender identity is a complex subject, and although the research is gaining momentum, much is yet to unfold. Despite the recent increase in access to gender assignment surgeries, there is a paucity of research to assess the quality of life and GD among these individuals after surgical interventions and among individuals who have accepted themselves.