Sexual life of transgender individuals in Turkey: The effect of sex reassignment surgery

A surprisingly small amount of research has examined the sex life of transgender individuals before and after undergoing sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Among transgender individuals, because of the discomfort involved in... [ view full abstract ]

A surprisingly small amount of research has examined the sex life of transgender individuals before and after undergoing sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Among transgender individuals, because of the discomfort involved in touching and looking at their congenitally present physical features, genital hiding and covering is very common during sexual activity. These attempts at avoidance can have a negative impact on sexual pleasure. However, after undergoing SRS and being provided with the genitalia corresponding to the gender they identify with, transgender individuals experience improvement in their sexual drives, sexual excitement and orgasms.

The study aimed to compare transgender individuals sex life before and after sex reassignment surgery. [ view full abstract ]

The study aimed to compare transgender individuals sex life before and after sex reassignment surgery.

Samples: The study includes two groups – Group I: 50 transgender individuals who had not undergone sex reassignment surgery and Group II: 20 transgender individuals who had undergone sex reassignment surgery. Measurements:... [ view full abstract ]

Samples:
The study includes two groups – Group I: 50 transgender individuals who had not undergone sex reassignment surgery and Group II: 20 transgender individuals who had undergone sex reassignment surgery.
Measurements:
Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASES), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL) and Self-Esteem Scale.

The absence of complications during surgery had a positive impact on sexual life and was observed to be more significant in the ASES items related to excitement. Negative attitudes against masturbation dropped from 45% to 5%... [ view full abstract ]

The absence of complications during surgery had a positive impact on sexual life and was observed to be more significant in the ASES items related to excitement. Negative attitudes against masturbation dropped from 45% to 5% in Group II participants compared to Group I participants.

The study involved 39 transmen and 31 transwomen, with the mean age in Group I being 27.04 ± 7.56 and 32.6 ± 7.16 in Group II. Participants in Group II were more likely to have a regular job and had higher employment rates... [ view full abstract ]

The study involved 39 transmen and 31 transwomen, with the mean age in Group I being 27.04 ± 7.56 and 32.6 ± 7.16 in Group II. Participants in Group II were more likely to have a regular job and had higher employment rates (75%) compared to participants in Group I (56% employment rate). Furthermore, Group II participants scored lower on the ASES items related to orgasm and satisfaction, so SRS was found to be associated with a better sexual life.

The results of the study are discussed within a cultural and religious context, where it will be shown that transgender individuals in Turkey have experienced a very hard time transforming their private and public identity,... [ view full abstract ]

The results of the study are discussed within a cultural and religious context, where it will be shown that transgender individuals in Turkey have experienced a very hard time transforming their private and public identity, particularly considering that Turkey has the highest levels of homophobia and heterosexism among European countries. Turkish transgender individuals often struggle with issues of resistant internalized transphobia, especially when it comes to accepting their own identity and disclosing their gender identity to their partner.