Individuals said to be gender dysphoric or experiencing gender identity disorder are of the mind that their gender or sexual identity is not consistent with their personality and psychology. Such individuals are commonly referred to as transsexuals and they typically experience strong feelings of rejection of their natural physical appearance and the behavior normally associated with it as well as an embracing of physical and behavioral traits of the opposite sex.

Transsexuals, who are steadfast in their opinion that their natural gender assignment opposes their psychological composition, invariably seek gender realignment involving genital reassignment procedures.

Procedure information
Genital reassignment procedures are many and varied, and differ depending on the original sex of the patient. For transmen, the construction of a penis via phalloplasty is perhaps the most significant external procedure performed, while mastectomy, hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy procedures are key to addressing the removal of the individual’s female reproductive system.

For transwomen, vaginoplasty is the most significant operation involved in converting natural male genitalia to an artificially constructed vagina. The process invariably involves only partial removal of the penis, after which the remaining tissues are instrumental in vaginal construction. Additionally, transwomen commonly seek breast augmentation to enhance their female appearance.

Recovery time
Recovery times vary from procedure to procedure and according to the general health of the patient. Many of these procedures involve major surgery and hence complete recovery can take months rather than weeks. Some procedures are best performed in stages, allowing for recovery before continuing with another procedure. Factors such as diabetes, obesity and poor circulation can delay recovery and be indicative in post-operative complications.

A period of psychological adjustment as a patient comes to terms with what is essentially a redefining of their gender via the addition or removal of physical characteristics is necessary for many patients.