Yes, it is possible for a woman to surgically transition to become a man. This process is known as female-to-male (FTM) gender-affirming surgery or female-to-male gender reassignment surgery.
FTM gender-affirming surgeries may include:
- Chest Surgery (Top Surgery): Mastectomy is performed to remove breast tissue and create a more masculine chest contour.
- Genital Reconstruction (Bottom Surgery): This can involve various procedures, such as phalloplasty (construction of a neopenis) or metoidioplasty (enhancement of the clitoral tissue to create a small penis-like structure). Testicular implants may also be added.
- Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy: Removal of the uterus and ovaries may be performed to stop menstruation and eliminate female reproductive organs.
It’s important to note that gender-affirming surgeries are just one aspect of a transgender person’s transition. Many individuals also undergo hormone therapy, change their name and gender marker on legal documents, and may seek therapy and support to affirm their gender identity fully.
The decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery is deeply personal and may vary from person to person. Transgender individuals should have access to comprehensive healthcare and support to make informed decisions about their transition and receive affirming care throughout the process.