Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Karabuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery,
2 University of Health Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery,
3 Istanbul University – Cerrahpasa, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Department of Women's Health and Diseases Nursing
Abstract
Introduction: Transgender individuals are individuals who feel that their gender identity, which they have from birth, is incongruent with their physical gender characteristics, and therefore, they desire to change or align their gender to be more compatible.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the body image perception of individuals who have undergone gender reassignment surgery.
Method: In this qualitative study conducted using the in-depth interview method, 11 individuals who had undergone gender reassignment surgery were interviewed. The data of the study was collected from individuals who underwent gender reassignment surgery in the Plastic Surgery Clinic of a Medical Faculty Hospital between 01.02.2020 and 01.01.2021. The data collected face-to-face with a semi-structured interview form were evaluated using the content analysis method. In this study, the stages of creating codes, categories, and themes were followed.
Results: Seven of the participants changed their gender from female to male, while four changed from male to female. The most significant factors in gender change were attraction to the opposite sex, discomfort with one's own sexual identity, familial attitudes, and identity confusion. During this process, situations of anxiety, unhappiness, social marginalization, and loneliness were experienced by participants.
Conclusion: It was found that the participants were satisfied with having the body they desired after gender reassignment surgery. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of social support in the successful completion of this process. Monitoring and supporting transgender individuals physically, emotionally, sexually, and socially before surgery will facilitate their adaptation to the post-operative period and enhance their quality of life.
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