A Systematic Review of the Psychological Benefits of Gender-Affirming Surgery

Jeremy A Wernick; Samantha Busa; Kareen Matouk; Joey Nicholson; Aron Janssen

doi:10.1016/j.ucl.2019.07.002

A Systematic Review of the Psychological Benefits of Gender-Affirming Surgery

Urol Clin North Am. 2019 Nov;46(4):475-486. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2019.07.002. Epub 2019 Aug 21.

Authors

Jeremy A Wernick¹, Samantha Busa², Kareen Matouk², Joey Nicholson³, Aron Janssen⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, 1 Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA. Electronic address: jeremy.wernick@nyulangone.org.
² Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, 1 Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
³ NYU Langone, Health Sciences Library, New York, NY, USA.
⁴ Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 225 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

PMID: 31582022
DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2019.07.002

Abstract

For individuals with gender dysphoria, gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) are one means of reducing the significant distress associated with primary and secondary sex characteristics misaligned with their gender identity. This article uses a systematic review to examine the existing literature on the psychological benefits of GAS. Findings from this review indicate that GAS can lead to multiple, significant improvements in psychological functioning. Methodological differences in the literature demonstrate the need for additional research to draw more definitive conclusions about the psychological benefits of GAS.

Keywords: Gender dysphoria; Gender-affirming surgery; Mental health; Transgender health; Well-being.

Publication types

Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Gender Dysphoria / psychology*
Gender Dysphoria / surgery*
Humans
Sex Reassignment Surgery / psychology*