Understanding Regret Rates for Gender-Affirming Surgery in the UK

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Written by John Dray

I am a trainee psychotherapist working with compassion and affirmation within the LGBTQ+ community.

https://johndray.com

Mental Health and Wellbeing Articles | Mental Health Tips

Gender Affirming Surgery | Medical Research | Regret Rates | Transgender Well-being | UK Healthcare

29th November 2024

Understanding Regret Rates for Gender-Affirming Surgery in the UK

Gender-affirming surgery is a significant and life-changing procedure for many transgender and non-binary individuals. While such surgeries are designed to improve quality of life, it is important to consider the potential for regret. This article examines the evidence regarding regret rates among individuals receiving gender-affirming surgery in the UK and explores the broader context of satisfaction with these procedures.

What Do the Statistics Show?

Research consistently demonstrates that regret rates for gender-affirming surgeries are exceptionally low. A systematic review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open found an overall regret rate of approximately 1% among individuals undergoing these procedures (Bustos et al., 2021). These findings indicate that the vast majority of patients find these surgeries beneficial to their mental health and overall quality of life.

In the UK, a study of records from a national gender identity clinic reported a regret rate of 0.47% among patients, with only 0.09% expressing permanent regret or choosing to detransition (Wikipedia, 2024). These figures reflect the careful consideration and preparation involved in undergoing gender-affirming surgery, including thorough psychological evaluation and informed consent processes.

Comparing Regret Rates to Other Medical Procedures

To put these numbers into perspective, regret rates for gender-affirming surgeries are significantly lower than those for other medical procedures. For example, dissatisfaction rates for total knee replacement surgeries range from 7% to 20%, highlighting the unique satisfaction associated with gender-affirming care (Kahlenberg et al., 2018). This low rate of regret underscores the importance of these surgeries in addressing gender dysphoria and improving overall well-being.

Personal Experiences and Context

While the overall data is reassuring, individual experiences of regret do occur. Ritchie Herron, a UK resident, has publicly shared his feelings of regret following gender-affirming surgery, drawing attention to the need for comprehensive support and informed decision-making (Wikipedia, 2024). These cases, though rare, remind us of the complexities involved in personal medical decisions and the importance of individualised care.

Why Are Regret Rates So Low?

The low rates of regret for gender-affirming surgeries can be attributed to several factors, including:

  1. Thorough Assessment: Patients typically undergo extensive psychological and medical evaluations to ensure readiness for surgery.
  2. Informed Consent: Individuals are given detailed information about the risks, benefits, and long-term implications of surgery.
  3. Supportive Care: Post-surgical care and ongoing support from medical professionals play a critical role in ensuring patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Gender-affirming surgeries have proven to be life-changing for many, with regret rates in the UK and globally remaining remarkably low. These findings highlight the effectiveness of gender-affirming care when combined with thorough preparation and support. While individual experiences of regret are valid and important to acknowledge, they represent a small minority of cases.

Understanding the data on regret rates can help dispel myths and promote a more informed dialogue about gender-affirming healthcare. For those considering such procedures, accessing support from medical professionals and trusted sources is essential to making empowered decisions.

References

  • Bustos, V. P., Bustos, S. S., Mascaro, A., Del Corral, G., Forte, A. J., Ciudad, P., Kim, E. A., Langstein, H. N. and Manrique, O. J. (2021) ‘Regret after Gender-affirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence’, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, 9(3), p. e3477. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003477.
  • Kahlenberg, C. A., Nwachukwu, B. U., McLawhorn, A. S., Cross, M. B., Cornell, C. N. and Padgett, D. E. (2018) ‘Patient Satisfaction After Total Knee Replacement: A Systematic Review’, HSS Journal, 14(2), pp. 192–201. doi: 10.1007/s11420–018–9614–8.
  • Wikipedia (2024) Detransition. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detransition (Accessed: 28 November 2024).