The count of transgender surgeries conducted annually in the United States has tripled over the past three years, a study has found.
A Surge in Surgeries
During the five years studied, approximately 48,000 patients underwent gender-affirming surgeries. Around 13,000 surgeries were performed in 2019, which marked the peak, and around 12,800 in 2020. Slightly over half of the patients were between the ages of 19 and 30 and more than 1,200 procedures were carried out on individuals aged 18 or younger each year.
Waiting Lists for Gender-Affirming Care
Despite research indicating that gender-affirming healthcare is incredibly beneficial, several states have taken measures to limit or prohibit it for minors in recent years. The situation has led to longer waiting lists for patients in states that have made themselves safe havens for transgender people.
The Most Common Procedure Among the Young
Dr. Jason Wright clarified that the rise in gender-affirming surgeries was not primarily driven by this younger age group. Among the youngest patients, the most common procedures involved breast and chest surgeries, with over 3,000 individuals undergoing such procedures within the five-year period.
Transgender Men Graduating High School
It remains unclear how many patients were transgender men or transgender women. However, experts suggest that a substantial portion of these cases likely involve transgender males, typically recent high school graduates seeking procedures like breast removal.
From High School to College
Dr. Loren Schechter, a specialist in gender-affirming surgery from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, explained that having such procedures at a younger age enables these individuals to transition into the next phase of life in a body that aligns with their identity.
Puberty Blockers Weren’t Studied
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, focused solely on surgeries and did not delve into more common treatments for minors, such as puberty blockers and hormones. The research was based on an analysis of records from two national surgery databases.
The Study Noted Other Procedures Too
Surgeries involving the chest were the most common across all age categories, followed by procedures related to reproductive anatomy. The frequency of these anatomical surgeries rose with the age of the patients. The study also highlighted approximately 6,600 aesthetic operations, such as facial rejuvenation and nasal modification.
Most Had Private Insurance
The majority of individuals who underwent gender-affirming surgeries were found to be covered by private insurance plans, indicating a greater recognition of transgender healthcare needs within the insurance landscape. Around a quarter received coverage through Medicaid.
The Internet Responded
The study’s results were shared across social media and everyone had an opinion to share. “This is a good thing. This means surgeries have become more accessible,” one person wrote. “I agree. The media’s trying to frame this as bad and it really sucks,” another responded
Others Asked Questions
Some people wanted to know more. “I wanna know exact numbers about how many minors get surgeries,” one individual wrote. “It’s not really a thing. Some 16 and 17-year-olds get top surgery but it’s rare. Bottom surgery for minors isn’t really a thing at all. Transphobes just like to blow it out of proportion. I can guarantee you that almost every single one of the 1,200 was 18,” another responded.
It Attracted Transphobes
Unfortunately, the news attracted some transphobic comments. “So they’re literally mutilating children and this confirms it. Disgusting,” one particularly angry individual said. “Did you actually read it? Almost all surgeries are on people 18 or older. I’d almost go as far as to say all but I know some older teens get top surgery. It’s incredibly unusual, though,” another hit back.
The Numbers Should Be Higher
Some pointed out that the numbers would be much higher if gender-affirming care was more accessible. “Can you guys imagine how high these numbers would be if surgeries were as accessible as they should be? Like, you see how many of us post about really wanting surgery but not having access to it. Imagine how high the numbers would be if we did,” a trans person wrote.
Trans People Were Scared
Some trans commenters were concerned about the potential backlash the study might garner. “I’m actually terrified to see how the media spins this. It could be really bad,” one person wrote. “Oh, it will be. But it’ll blow over like it usually does and anyone with a brain will look into it properly and see that it’s a good thing,” another replied.
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