The sex reassignment surgery sector was worth over $623 million worldwide, and it is projected to enjoy an over 11.5% compound annual growth rate between 2023 and 2032. There are two main reasons behind the boom—the growing prevalence of gender dysphoria and of sex change surgeries. What is motivating the popularity of this type of surgery, and what benefits is it bringing patients across the globe?
Battling Gender Dysphoria (GD)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) states that gender dysphoria prevalence accounts for 0.005–0.014% of the population for biological males and 0.002–0.003% for biological females. Greater awareness about gender dysphoria and the great advances made in sex reassignment procedures are driving the demand for surgery. So, too, is the introduction of new government policies that make it easier for people aged 16 and above to officially change their gender. This is the case in countries like Scotland and Spain, where changes in the law have facilitated sex reassignment for people with GD. GD is linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Sex reassignment enables those who are struggling against it to feel more confident and lead a more fulfilling life.
Complementary Therapies
People who have been through sex reassignment surgery sometimes opt for additionally treatments, some of which are minimally invasive. For instance, the O-shot is an injection that boosts sexual arousal, more frequent orgasms, and increased natural lubrication. Although transgender women can have orgasms after gender reassignment surgery, it can take time to start having orgasms after surgery.
Penile Implants
Another procedure that complements gender reassignment is that of penile implants. The latter are devices placed inside the penis to enable men to have an erection. There are two main types of penile implants—semirigid and inflatable. Semirigid implants remain firm constantly, and the user simply bends the penis forward for sexual activity or backward toward the body to conceal it beneath clothing. Inflatables are the most common type of implant. They are simply inflated when an erection is required and deflated at other times. Implants often comprise three pieces and use a fluid-filled reservoir implanted beneath the abdominal wall, plus a pump and a release valve located inside the scrotum, plus two inflatable cylinders inside the penis. To achieve an erection, the user simply pumps the fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders. They can then release a valve to return the fluid to the reservoir.
High Levels of Satisfaction
Major and complementary procedures have very high satisfaction rates. Research indicates that some 99.7% of all transgender people were pleased with the results of their surgery. This is good news considering how expensive and life-changing gender reassignment surgery can be. Another important factor to take into account is the patient’s environment. Those who live in an environment that normalizes authentic gender expression and affirms the person’s goals help mitigate against regret.
The global sex reassignment industry is experiencing significant growth that is fuelled by the increasing prevalence of gender dysphoria and advancements in surgical procedures. Government policies facilitating gender changes and the development of complementary therapies like the O-shot are powerful motivating factors for those wishing to have surgery. With incredibly high satisfaction rates very little regret, these procedures are empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.
