The psychological aspects of a patient who undergoes Sexual Reassignment surgery

The sexual reassignment process involves, in addition to physical changes, a series of emotional transformations.

The psychologist, clinical therapist and speaker, Luana Couto spoke about the psychological aspects of patients undergoing Sexual Reassignment surgery.

“Considering Mental Health, both sexual reassignment surgery and other hormonal change procedures are valid and relevant to increasing the quality of life and self-esteem of a transgender person. For the changes to be successful, the ideal is that each step is taken at the patient’s pace, considering their needs and the feasibility of the procedures.”, said the expert.

The psychologist listed some recommendations: “Select, refine and strengthen the relationship/support network, in order to share and count on the support of people who actually have respect and emotional responsibility for the patient.”

“Rely on the support of health professionals (doctors, psychologists, etc.) so that the person can actually build the desired vision of themselves, isolated from expectations or external pressures, as well as having specialized technical support throughout their transformation process .”he said.

The specialist advised: “Consider the progression of procedures (mainly hormonal), in order to avoid non-reversible decisions, especially in adolescence. The part of the brain (Prefrontal Cortex) responsible for regulating emotions, risk analysis, controlling impulsivity and long-term vision term, etc., matures between 3-4 years until 25. This means that, in this period of time, the chance of decisions being taken without careful assessments is much greater and, in the future, irreversible actions can generate even more impacts in mental health.”

“Strengthen self-esteem with a realistic view of strengths and vulnerable points, building strategies to protect yourself from external judgments and behaviors. Very sudden changes without self-esteem being strengthened can generate damaging emotional impacts.”, he spoke.

The psychologist concluded: “Support from family and friends is one of the factors that, in its presence, generates more comfort, security and tranquility for the patient and, in its absence, can be devastating, especially when it includes aggression and rejection. For support, knowledge is a excellent ‘medicine’ and can help everyone to guide themselves reliably, in addition to, of course, being able to mature and elaborate all changes in the relationship with the patient”.