Surgery not the only option for those suffering from gender dysphoria

Abu Dhabi - "Many trans people have treatment to change their body permanently"

 Changes in law governing healthcare are now giving a chance to those suffering from gender dysphoria. Under the Federal Decree No 4 of 2016 on Medical Responsibility, which was published in the Official Gazette and approved by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, gender-reassignment surgeries are permitted for this with a medical necessity.
Individuals whose sex is unclear, and if medical examinations reveal the person's physical features are mismatching his or her characteristic features, could now seek permission to have a sex-change operation if the authorised medical committee states that it is a medical necessity. However, there are also other alternatives, explain healthcare experts.
Dr Monika Chawla, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at Fakih IVF Fertility Centre, highlighted that psychotherapy could drastically help those suffering from gender identity, allowing them to lead a normal life.
Dr Chawla, who has been practising for more than 18 years, pointed out that in certain cases, people prefer to take hormones to change their physical appearance, prior to choosing surgery.
She added that such complex cases needed complete evaluation from medical experts, including psychologists and neurologists. Nonetheless, those suffering from gender dysphoria need to be handled with empathy, care and sensitivity.
"Many trans people have treatment to change their body permanently, so they're more consistent with their gender identity, and the vast majority are satisfied with the eventual results."
Dr Chawla, whose research work has been published globally, noted that medication could help alone, to block out extra hormones.
She pointed out that whether it is psychotherapy, medication or surgical intervention, treatment for gender dysphoria is vital, as it helps reduce or remove any distressing feelings of the mismatch between one's gender identity and his or her biological sex.
However, prior to surgery, one must go through various assessments to determine whether or not the individual is in fact suffering from gender dysphoria.
The assessments, which may involve detailed analysis of one's physical and psychological health before treatment is decided, will reveal whether there is a clear mismatch between the biological sex and gender identity.
The tests also reveal whether there is a strong desire to change physical characteristics as a result of any mismatch, coping with difficulties of possible mismatch, as well as new bahaviours that have developed over time.
Dr Pankaj Shrivastav, medical director of Conceive - The Gynaecology and Fertility Hospital, said psychological counseling is key.
"The families of these people and the people themselves need psychological counselling."
He explained that those dealing with gender identity must also deal with the society's lack of acceptance.
"Eventually, sufferers end up with major psychological issues. Some confine themselves to their homes. This is quite different from being homosexual because, though their sexual orientation is conflicting, they are not unhappy with the physical body they are in."
Naser Al Riyami, Emirati psychologist and hypnotherapist, highlighted that gender identity sufferers can often choose psychotherapy alone.
"Gender dysphoria sufferers can have psychotherapy alone, which could help them accept themselves for who they are."
However, he noted that some patients opt for surgery, because they cannot live in the body they are born with.
"Part of the programme before a person is eligible for sex-change operation, includes at least two years of psychotherapy, to insure a stable life after surgery."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com