Gender-Affirming Surgeries Experience Significant Increase in the US, with Pandemic Leading to a Slight Dip
The number of gender-affirming surgeries in the United States has nearly tripled between 2016 and 2019, before experiencing a slight decline in 2020, according to a study released on August 23.
The substantial increase in surgeries is believed to be a result of expanded insurance coverage for transgender care, which was actively promoted during the Obama administration, along with efforts by certain states to discourage discrimination based on gender identity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the slight dip observed in 2020.
During the span of five years analyzed in the study, approximately 48,000 patients underwent gender-affirming surgeries. The peak year was 2019, with around 13,000 procedures carried out, followed by 12,800 in 2020.
It is worth noting that the majority of patients were between the ages of 19 and 30, while the number of surgeries performed on individuals aged 18 or younger remained relatively low. In fact, in the busiest year, fewer than 1,200 procedures were performed on this age group.
In recent years, numerous states have implemented measures to restrict or ban transgender care for individuals under the age of 18. Consequently, waiting lists for these marginalized patients seeking care have grown, leading to delays and limited options. However, it is important to understand that this demographic does not significantly contribute to the overall surge in gender-affirming surgeries observed by the study.
Among the youngest patients analyzed, the most common surgeries were breast and chest procedures, with over 3,000 individuals undergoing such operations throughout the study period. These procedures were predominantly carried out on transgender males, often high school graduates, aiming to remove their breasts. Embarking on this surgical journey at a young age enables them to progress into the next phase of their lives, feeling comfortable in a body that aligns with their true identity.
The research, published in JAMA Network Open, focused primarily on surgeries and did not explore more commonly used treatments for minors, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
During the analysis, researchers reviewed data from two national surgery databases. Of all age groups, breast surgeries emerged as the most prominent, followed by genital procedures. Furthermore, the study identified around 6,600 cosmetic surgeries, including liposuction, face lifts, and nose reshaping.
Due to the absence of specific gender identity data in the records, the researchers were unable to infer patient demographics accurately, especially in cases like breast reconstruction, which could apply to both transgender males and females.
In conclusion, the United States witnessed a significant surge in gender-affirming surgeries between 2016 and 2019, mainly driven by expanded insurance coverage and efforts to combat discrimination against transgender individuals. Although 2020 experienced a slight decrease in surgeries, possibly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for these procedures remains substantial. The study sheds light on the specific demographics and types of surgeries performed, underscoring the importance of accessible and inclusive healthcare for transgender individuals at all stages of life.
