A novel and validated survey explores quality of life outcomes in transgender women following vaginoplasty.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes following vaginoplasty in transgender individuals using a novel and validated Affirming Surgery Form and Function Individual Reporting Measure.

METHODS

A total of 279 transgender patients completed the Affirming Surgery Form and Function Individual Reporting Measure survey, reporting on their experiences with feminizing gender-affirming surgery outcomes (F-GAS). Surveys were given to patients via email before F-GAS, at 2 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post-operatively. Pre- and post-F-GAS responses were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. All participants voluntarily completed the same survey using the Visiontree platform to eliminate bias.

RESULTS

Before F-GAS, ~3% of respondents reported positive feelings about their genitals, ~18% reported comfort with a sexual partner seeing their genitals, ~1% reported the absence of embarrassment regarding their genitals and ~1% reported that their genitals matched their gender identity. Six months after surgery, the percentages rose to ~85% (P < 0.001), ~77% (P < 0.001), 66% (P < 0.001) and ~85% (P < 0.001), respectively. Before F-GAS, ~78% of respondents reported they could not dress as desired because of the appearance of their genitals, and 83% reported the appearance of their genitals prevented them from doing some enjoyable activities. Six months after surgery, the percentages fell to ~3% (P < 0.001), and ~7% respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gender-affirming surgeries, such as vaginoplasty, are associated with dramatic quality of life improvement in transgender people. All six gender identity metrics measured by the validated Affirming Surgery Form and Function Individual Reporting Measure survey showed unequivocal benefits following vaginoplasty.