Health of Transgender Population - Essay Example

? Health of Transgender population of the of the Health of Transgender population Introduction Transgender population has been found dominant in various parts of the globe. While this population is not satisfied with the assigned sexual orientation, the sexual reassignment surgery has gained a lot of importance as one important solution towards the problem. The process of this surgery is not simple, and involves a lot of medically technical procedures, carried out by the most experienced surgeons in the field. This assignment has taken the sexual reassignment surgery in transgender population as its main focus, and discusses in detail, the procedure involved including the changes in gentiles and secondary characteristics. The assignment further aims to examine the changes in the life of the transgender individuals after the surgery. Discussion Transgender and Gender Identity Transgender refers to the state in which a person’s assigned sexual identity does not match with the sexual identity he desires for in his mind. The transgender individuals, due to this particular state of mind, try to appear from a different sexual orientation, in terms of their dressing and habits. This is also referred to as cross dressing. Hirschfield (1991) talked over his examination and examination of monstrous measures of his patients who "distinguished, felt, or acted like the counter directionally sex in different parts of their vicinity, a get together he designated as transvestites"(bullough). Trustworthy with Suzanna Kessler and Wendy Mckenna "the prefix "trans" has three separate recommendations". The head is the centre at which a solitary surgically changes their conceptive organs or utilizes hormones inside engage physically feel like the sex in which they state. The second delineates the individual who decides to run ahead with the life as both sexual orientations. An example of this could be an individual who chose to go about as a man in his average life then on the weekend's lives and dresses as a female. Also at long last the third is the individual who does not relate to any sexual acquaintance and picks with so to talk "wipe out" sex in light of present circumstances (Kessler, McKenna). Transgender is a vague term which attempts to explore different individuals, groups and behaviors entailing tendencies to differ from culturally conservative roles of gender. Transgender is referred as an umbrella term used to describe people of different groups which includes cross dressers, gender queer people, transsexual and others (De Sutter, 2001). In simple words, transgender is used to describe the individuals or groups who defying their gender based roles allocated by the society choose to alter, modify or change it in variety of ways. The term transgender is most commonly used, at present by the people who are uncomfortable with their assigned gender by birth, and deliberately change it. Trans is the short form of the term implying the same meaning and interpretation. However, the level of trans exists in a person may very while some being extreme and undertake medical surgeries to satisfy their needs, while other being at normal or average level who avoid undertaking medical surgeries. However, the identity of trans is not affected by the level, either trans undertake surgeries or not they shall always be recognized as trans but with no other terms. Female to male (FTM) and male to female are the descriptors that are generally used to describe trans people. However, some people prefer the terms transgender woman or man (same as FTM or MTF), because the terms projects and confirm their chosen character. However, affirmed female and affirmed male are also the terms used synonymously with FTM or MTF. While comparing trans people with non-trans people (mostly for medical terms) natal/bio female and natal/bio male are used to describe normal or non-trans people. It is important for medical practitioners to explicitly define their identity without any hesitation so that assumptions possibility can be eradicated. This will also help in the provision of clear medical guidance. In relation to the above discussion, this paper will discuss the health issues faced by trans, and how the issue shall be taken care. The concept of changing sexual orientation The changing of sexual orientation has been an important step in the improvement of the lifestyle of transgender population. While these individuals feel no match with their assigned sexual identity, they are a target of mockery and discrimination in various sectors. The ultimate concept of changing the sexual orientation has been widely supported and adopted by many governments, to support the transgender population. Hormone Therapy There are certain cases in which transgender often choose to transfer hormones as well in their bodies in order to completely embrace and have a complete gender identity. This hormone transfer, therapy or treatment shall be performed sometime under endocrinologist. However the primary care physician’s care is preferable for hormone treatment. WPATH or The World Professional Association for Transgender Health, recommend in its Standards of Care manual that it is important for a person to live in the selected gender for at least a year before undergoing a hormone therapy. There is a different perception regarding the guidelines exists among physicians while some strictly stick to it, and ask their patients to follow them. Whereas, there is another group of physicians who undermine these guidelines and do not pay attention to what is being written by WPATH. Dr. Maddie Deutsch in the year of 2008 at Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Conference proposed a new model emphasizing on the provision of autonomy to the patients while utilizing informed consent form before starting hormonal treatment in adults who seek this therapy. Many patients often realize before entering into puberty that they are transgender. With guidance and supervision from an endocrinologist and a therapist, such patients might get treatment of (GnRH) or Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone analogues, like Lupron, which help in delaying puberty till the parents of the patient and patient, are in situation to take a decision regarding the transmission of cross-sex hormones, mostly at 16. Sexual Reassignment surgery This surgery is the process in which a transgender individual undergoes a set of medical procedures, through which his or her gender is changed to the desired gender. There are some other common names present for the surgery as well, including the genital replacement surgery, sex affirmation surgery or the realignment if sexual orientation surgery (Lawrence, 2005). Which all these terms are collectively referring to the process of sexual identity changes in a human being, the process can be explained under two divisions. These divisions are based on the transgender individual; either it is a transgender man, or woman. Sexual reassignment surgery; Male to female The transgender men who wants to change their gender undergoes the sexual reassignment surgery, from male to female. These men, as born with the male sexual hormones and organs have to undergo the surgical process, through which these parts are replaced with the females’ organs. The reshaping of the male genital is an important procedure which has to be carroed out with care. This involves the deconstruction of the penis and formation of vagina in the body.Some important steps of this surgery are defined below: Genital surgery (Vaginoplasty) Facial feminization surgery Breast augmentation Voice feminization surgery Tracheal shave Buttock augmentation Genital surgery (Vaginoplasty) In order to change the sexual orientation of a transgender male into female, it is essential that he should be given with an appropriate body of a female. The first step is to remove the penis in the transgender man. After the penis is cut down, the Vaginoplasty begins. This is the artificial reconstruction of the vagina, starting from teh vaginal canal construction. The cosmetic process also involves the formation of the mucous membranes for vaginal lubrication and vulvo vaginal structures. The cut down of penis is not simple. First of all, the foreskin is removed and the testicles are also discarded. The penis left is not inverted so that the blood and nerve supply can be preserved for further sexual processes. The “glans” of the penis are utilized by the surgeons to form the clitoris, while scrotal tissues helps in forming the “labia majora”. The foreskin is extremely beneficial in formation of the vaginal linings, but in patients that underwent circumcision, artificial skin grafts are beneficial. These skin grafts are obtained from various parts of the human body, including the hips, thighs or colon. After the surgery has been performed, it is not necessary that the appearance will be as pleasant as with the natal female vagina. In such cases, cosmetic therapy can be useful. With the rapid advancement in the medical technology, the results of the Vaginoplasty are amazing, and it is rarely recognized that the person underwent Vaginoplasty. In order to keep the newly created vaginal cavity pen and to maintain its certain degree of dilatation, there are medical dildos available. Facial feminization surgery Once the Vaginoplasty has been performed it is essential that the patient should also undergo various superficial surgeries that will enhance the existing features into feminine features (Namaste, 2000). The facial feminization surgery is an important process in this regard. This involves the cosmetic surgery of the face that helps in modification of the facial bones, cartilaginous structures and helps to modify the jaw, nose, forehead and cheeks. Other important processes involved are the brow lift, reduction of Adams apple, forehead and jaw recontouring and lip lift. The result of this cosmetic procedure is a better feminine appearance of the patient. Breast augmentation Breasts are one of the most important parts of the female body. While the breast augmentation therapy remains to be an important procedure for most of the by birth females, it is essential in the sexual reassignment surgery of the transgender population as well. The breast augmentation is the artificial enlargement of the breast (Berg, et.al, 1997). The surgeons prefer the hormone therapy for this purpose, but if in case it does not work, then the breast augmentation is performed. Breast implants are utilized for this function. Voice feminization surgery Voice feminization refers to the process utilized to make the voice of a trans man transform into feminine voice, reducing the graveness. However, it is a risky process. Tracheal shave In order to induce feminized dimensions in the human body, the cartilage that is present at the throat is shaved. This helps in reduction of the naturally present Adams apple, and therefore, improving the appearance. Buttock augmentation In males, the buttocks are much smaller in size as compared to the females. The buttocks are also considered as one sexually arousing part of the female body. In order to give the transgender man undergoing sexual reassignment surgical process, it is essential that they should under buttock augmentation as well. This is the enlargement process of the buttocks. If the patient has not past puberty, the first priority is the hormone therapy. However, in many cases, it might not work and the surgery is essential. Sexual reassignment surgery; Female to male The transgender women who wish to undergo Sexual reassignment surgery from female to male undergoes a surgical procedure that includes following steps. Genital surgery; construction of penis Removal of breast or Mastectomy Removal of uterus or Hysterectomy Removal of ovaries bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy Removal of breast or Mastectomy The removal of breast is essential in the reassignment procedure of transgender females. This topical surgery is carried out in which the removal of the breasts is followed by reshaping of the chest and contouring into a male chest (Smith, et,al, 2001). The complete removal of the grafting process can be disadvantageous, as it may result in loss of sensation from the chest. Removal of uterus or Hysterectomy The removal of uterus is known as hysterectomy in medical language. The cervix is not always removed. If it is removed, it is called partial hysterectomy and if not then it is called complete hysterectomy. Removal of ovaries bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy This is a process of removing the uterus from the patient’s body. The menstrual cycle is ceased using the hormonal therapy, yet the transgender are not always comfortable with having the uterus in their body. Therefore, it is removed. Genital surgery; construction of penis The artificial construction of the penis is an important step in the transgender sexual reassignment surgery, from female to male. The labia majora helps to form the male scrotum while the testicles incorporated are prosthetic. The construction of penis is also referred to as phallplasty. In normal male individuals, the process refers to the enlargement of penis. Affects on the sexual life There are vast effects on the sexual life of transgender population. Once a transgender undergoes male to female surgery, they do develop the female organs through surgery, but they still lack the eggs and ovaries. The surgeries are rather primitive in this regard. The female to male transgender surgeries are also beneficial for the transgender population, but that does not provide them with the semen or sperms. Besides the reproductory facts, the transgender population can still enjoy the same sex in the same manner as the normal individuals do. The orgasm might be produced in some transgender women, as the clitoris is enlarged, but still present. Childbearing and Breast feeding in transgender underwent SRS Child bearing in transgender individuals who have had their uterus removed is impossible. While the transgender individuals that seek to have the male to female surgery, the uterus implantation has not become possible till now. it means that child bearing is impossible in this population. Breast feeding is yet another sensitive issue in the transgender population. The male to female surgery can help to enlarge the breasts, but the production of milk is rarely possible. However, in transsexual males, that were once females, the breast feeding might occur even after the removal of the breast. The surgeon, in such cases, attaches a small tube within the breast, which connects the baby with the milk produced inside the mother’s body. The baby sucks the nipples and is able to get the feed (Bockting, Benner, Coleman, 2009) Conclusion The transgender men and women are now not easily distinguishable once they undergo the surgery. With the prosthetic or surgically created vagina, penis and breasts, along with the secondary male and female characteristics, these individuals enjoy the sexual life as much as the individuals born with that particular sex do. While there have been a number of advances in the transsexual gender reassignment surgery, there is still the lacking of the surgical inclusion of the male or female reproductive system. The transgender population can now have their desired sexual orientation, but the reproduction is still a lacking they might feel. As the technology remains to improve, it is possible that this could also be accomplished in the near future. References Bockting, W., Benner, A., & Coleman, E. (2009). Gay and bisexual identity development among female-to-male transsexuals in North America: Emergence of a transgender sexuality. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 38(5), 688-701. Data retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-009-9489-3 dated on 7th December, 2013 De Sutter, P. (2001). Gender reassignment and assisted reproduction Present and future reproductive options for transsexual people. Human Reproduction, 16(4), 612-614. Data retrieved from http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/4/612.short dated on 7th December, 2013 Lawrence, A. A. (2005). Sexuality before and after male-to-female sex reassignment surgery. Archives of sexual behavior, 34(2), 147-166. Data retrieved from http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-005-1793-y#page-1 dated on 7th December, 2013 Smith, Y. L., VAN GOOZEN, S. H., & Cohen-Kettenis, P. T. (2001). Adolescents with gender identity disorder who were accepted or rejected for sex reassignment surgery: a prospective follow-up study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(4), 472-481. . Data retrieved from www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S089085670960397X dated on 7th December, 2013 Berg, J. E. A., & Gustafsson, M. (1997). Long term follow up after sex reassignment surgery. Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, 31(1), 39-45. . Data retrieved from informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02844319709010503 dated on 7th December, 2013 Namaste, V. (2000). Invisible lives: The erasure of transsexual and transgendered people. University of Chicago Press. Data retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=kBiImQOBgzEC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=orgasm+in+transgender+men+MTF&ots=6b7r4JVcQV&sig=D7l_0_HXRKhOI5yT74Yb5n5sGukdated on 7th December, 2013 Read More