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Psychological and Social Function Before
and After Phalloplasty
James Barrett BSc, MB BS MRC Psych, MSc
Abstract [Full Text] [PDF]
Background
There are no quantitative assessments of the
benefits of phalloplasty in a female transsexual population. The study
addresses this question, comparing transsexuals accepted for such surgery
with transsexuals after such surgery has been performed.
Method
A population of 23 transsexuals accepted for
phalloplasty was compared to a population of 40 who had undergone such
surgery between six and one hundred and sixty months previously. The General
Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), Bem sex role
inventory, and Social Role Performance Schedule (SRPS) were employed.
Additionally, a questionnaire assessing satisfaction with cosmetic
appearance, sexual function, relationship and urinary function was used,
along with a semi-structured interview quantifying alcohol, cigarette and
drug usage, and current sexual practice.
Results
There were significant differences between the
populations. The post operative group showed higher depression ratings on
the depression subscale of the GHQ. The masculine pre-operative Bem scores
were neutral post-operatively as feminine sub-scores increased. There was
improved satisfaction with genital appearance post-operatively, but
satisfaction with relationships fell, although to a non-significant extent.
Most other changes were in the expected direction but did not achieve
significance.
Conclusions
Transsexuals accepted for phalloplasty have
very good psychological health. Tendency to further improvement is the case
after phalloplasty. Depression is commoner, however, and quality of
relationships declines somewhat. Surgeons might advise partners as well as
patients of realistic expectations from such surgery.
Fulltext - http://www.symposion.com/ijt/ijtc0301.htm
Citation:
an article published on the Internet by The
International Journal of Transgenderism, Volume 2, Number 1, 1998 <http://www.symposion.com/ijt/>
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