Effects on patients' quality of life, satisfaction and psychosocial status after Female to Male Sex Reassignment Surgery

Referring to the world literature there are only a few studies which deal with the topic of quality of life and satisfaction after sex reassignment surgery from female to male (FtM). [ view full abstract ]

Referring to the world literature there are only a few studies which deal with the topic of quality of life and satisfaction after sex reassignment surgery from female to male (FtM).

We designed a survey to evaluate the influence of surgery on quality of life, self-esteem, psyche and emotional stability of operated FtM transsexuals. [ view full abstract ]

We designed a survey to evaluate the influence of surgery on quality of life, self-esteem, psyche and emotional stability of operated FtM transsexuals.

The present study includes 32 FtM transsexuals who have undergone gender reassignment surgery. [ view full abstract ]

The present study includes 32 FtM transsexuals who have undergone gender reassignment surgery.

The used testing instrument consists of a self-developed questionnaire with questions on personal data, the situation before and after the operations and postoperative occurred complications. In addition to that, the testing... [ view full abstract ]

The used testing instrument consists of a self-developed questionnaire with questions on personal data, the situation before and after the operations and postoperative occurred complications. In addition to that, the testing instrument includes a four-item measure of depression and anxiety (PHQ-4), a test on life satisfaction (FLZM), the Rosenberg Self Esteem Questionnaire (RES) and the Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI-R). The latter four are frequently used and standardized testing instruments, which can be compared to norm data.

Statistic significant values can be found in some items of the FLZM: “Mobility” (p=0,000), “Vision/Hearing” (p=0,04), “Freedom from Anxiety” (p=0,002), “Independence from Assistance”(p=0,000) and the sum-score... [ view full abstract ]

Statistic significant values can be found in some items of the FLZM: “Mobility” (p=0,000), “Vision/Hearing” (p=0,04), “Freedom from Anxiety” (p=0,002), “Independence from Assistance”(p=0,000) and the sum-score within the module “Satisfaction with Health” (p=0,01). Within the module “External Appearance” they can been found in the three items “Eyes” (p=0,002), “Chest/Breast” (p=0,000) and “Thigh” (p=0,01). The PHQ-4 questionnaire evaluates the patients' psyche as a “normal psyche”. Furthermore, the results of the RES and the FPI-R validate a very high self-esteem and a very balanced emotional stability. 88% were extremely satisfied with the aesthetic result, further 72 % were very satisfied with the sexual function, and 81% have a strong improvement of quality of life. Finally, 91% would undergo the same treatment again, and 84% would recommend gender reassignment surgery to others.

With our study, we could proof that gender reassignment surgery improves the quality of life in transsexual men in most aspects of life and has a positive influence on the patients' psyche and self-esteem. [ view full abstract ]

With our study, we could proof that gender reassignment surgery improves the quality of life in transsexual men in most aspects of life and has a positive influence on the patients' psyche and self-esteem.