Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It can be performed for a variety of reasons, including to stop menstruation, remove the possibility of pregnancy, or treat certain medical conditions.
Hysterectomy is also a gender-affirming surgery for some transgender men and non-binary people. For transgender men, having a hysterectomy can help to alleviate gender dysphoria, which is the distress that can occur when a person’s gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth.
There are two main types of hysterectomy:
⦁ Total hysterectomy: This procedure removes the entire uterus, including the cervix.
⦁ Partial hysterectomy: This procedure removes the uterus, but not the cervix.
In addition to the uterus, some transgender men and non-binary people may also choose to have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed at the same time. This is known as a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Hysterectomy is a major surgery, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before deciding if it is right for you. Some of the risks of hysterectomy include:
⦁ Infection
⦁ Bleeding
⦁ Damage to other organs
⦁ Early menopause
The recovery time for hysterectomy varies depending on the type of surgery and your individual circumstances. However, most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
If you are a transgender man or non-binary person considering hysterectomy, it is important to talk to your doctor about your options. They can help you to determine if hysterectomy is the right choice for you and can answer any questions you have about the procedure.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
⦁ The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care: https://www.wpath.org/publications/soc
⦁ The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): https://transequality.org/
⦁ The Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/
⦁ A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus. It is a common procedure for various medical conditions, including certain types of cancer, uterine fibroids, and severe endometriosis. In the context of transgender individuals, some transgender men (assigned female at birth but identify as male) may choose to undergo a hysterectomy as part of their gender-affirming medical transition.
⦁ The decision to undergo a hysterectomy as a transgender individual is a personal one and should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals who specialize in transgender healthcare. For some transgender men, the presence of reproductive organs such as the uterus may cause dysphoria or discomfort, and a hysterectomy can help alleviate these feelings. It can also eliminate the need for certain reproductive health screenings and the possibility of pregnancy if the individual does not desire it.
⦁ It’s important to note that undergoing a hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure and carries potential risks and complications like any other surgery. It is crucial to have a thorough discussion with qualified healthcare professionals who can provide information about the procedure, potential risks, post-operative care, and any long-term effects or considerations.
⦁ If you are considering a hysterectomy as a transgender individual, it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in transgender healthcare or a gender-affirming surgery. They will be able to provide you with personalized information and guidance based on your specific situation and medical history.