Distinguishing transsexual men from transsexual women – Informative guide to understanding the differences in the transsexual community.

Trans men and women are people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. They undergo a process called transition to align their external appearance and gender expression with their gender identity. However, it is important to note that there are significant differences between trans men and women in terms of their experiences, medical needs, and social challenges.

1. 1. Trans men

1. A trans man is a person who was assigned female at birth, but who identifies as male. They may have begun their transition by taking testosterone hormone therapy, which helps develop more masculine physical characteristics, such as facial hair growth and muscle mass.
2. Many trans men opt for thoracic surgery, commonly known as “top surgery,” to remove their breasts and achieve a more masculine chest. This procedure is called a mastectomy.
3. Trans men can also choose to undergo genital reconstruction surgeries, known as phalloplasty or metoidioplasty, to modify their external genitalia. These surgeries help align your physical appearance with your gender identity.

Trans men undergo hormone therapy and various surgical interventions to adapt their external appearance to their gender identity. These may include testosterone therapy, thoracic surgery (mastectomy), and genital reconstruction surgeries (phalloplasty or metoidioplasty).

2. Trans women

1. Trans women are people who were assigned male at birth, but who identify as women. They often undergo hormonal therapy with estrogen to promote the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth and smoother skin.
2. Some trans women may choose to undergo facial feminization surgery (FFS) to modify their facial features and achieve a more feminine appearance. This may involve procedures such as rhinoplasty, brow lift, or chin contouring.
3. Trans women may also consider undergoing gender confirmation surgery, also known as vaginoplasty, which builds a neovagina. This surgery helps align your physical appearance with your gender identity.

Trans women usually undergo hormonal therapy, facial feminization surgery (FFS) and gender confirmation surgery (vaginoplasty) to achieve physical alignment with their gender identity.

Understanding the Difference: Transman Vs. Transwoman

transsexual

A transsexual, also known as a transgender person from woman to men (FTM), is someone who was assigned female sex at birth, but who identifies and presents himself as a man. Understanding the medical aspect of the transition of trans men is essential to provide adequate attention and support. One of the most common procedures to which transsexual men are subjected is chest reconstruction surgery, also known as “upper part surgery”, which consists of removing breast tissue to create a more masculine appearance of the chest.

1. Hormonal therapy: trans men often undergo hormonal therapy to induce physical changes according to their gender identity. Testosterone substitute hormonal therapy is usually used to achieve male effects such as facial hair growth, voice thickening and increased muscle mass.
2. Genital reconstruction: Some trans men can choose to undergo genital reconstruction surgery, also known as falplasty or metoidoplasty, to create male genitals. This procedure may vary depending on individual preferences and the desired results.
3. Legal aspects: Trans men can follow legal processes, such as changing their name and gender marker in identity documents, to reflect their true gender.

Important note: It is essential to recognize that not all trans men undergo all available medical procedures, since the decision to undergo specific interventions is very personal and varies from one individual to another.

trans woman

A trans woman, often called Men’s To Women’s Transsexual (MTF), was assigned to a male at birth, but is identified and presented as a woman. Understanding the medical aspects of the transition process of transsexual women is vital for health professionals who work with this population. One of the key procedures followed by transsexual women is hormonal therapy.

• Hormonal therapy: Hormonal with estrogen administration allows transsexual women to develop more feminine secondary sexual characteristics, including breast development, the redistribution of body fat and reduction in the growth of facial and body hair.
• Facial feminization surgery: Some trans women can opt for facial feminization surgery to alter facial features that usually show male characteristics. This procedure may include several interventions, such as eyebrow contour, rhinoplasty and jaw remodeling.
• Gender confirmation surgery: Some trans women may decide to undergo gender confirmation surgery, also known as vaginoplasty, to create female genitalia. The decision to undergo this intervention usually involves a thorough evaluation process and a debate with health professionals specialized in care for transsexuals.

Note: It is important to remember that not all transgender women will pursue all available medical options, as each individual’s journey is unique and based on personal choices and circumstances.

Biological and Assigned Sex

Tables and lists can help organize and clearly present important information. Below is a table illustrating some of the main biological differences between men and women:

Note: It is important to remember that biological sex is not determined solely by genitals or chromosomes. There are intersex individuals who have variations in reproductive or sexual anatomy that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. These biological variations reveal the diversity and complexity of human sexual characteristics.

Gender Identity and Expression

It is important to recognize that gender identity is not necessarily synonymous with biological sex. While sex is often assigned at birth based on physical attributes such as genitals, gender identity is self-identified and can vary along a spectrum. Some people may identify as men, others as women, and others as non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid, among other identities.

• Gender dysphoria: For some people, their gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. This disconnection can cause significant discomfort, known as gender dysphoria. It is important to note that not all transsexuals suffer from gender dysphoria.
• Legal recognition: Many countries have legal frameworks that recognize and protect the right of transsexual persons to live and express their gender identity. These frameworks may include legal processes of gender recognition, ant i-discrimination laws and health dispositions adapted to the specific needs of transgender people.

“Gender identity, the most intimate concept of oneself as a man, woman, a mixture of both or none: how individuals are perceived and what they call themselves. The gender identity of a person can be the same can be the sameor different from your sex assigned to birth. “- American Psychology Association

In health environments, it is important that health professionals pay respectful and affirmative care to people of all gender identities and expressions. This includes using appropriate language, addressing people by their names and pronouns chosen, and guaranteeing access to gender statement health services, such as hormonal therapy or gender affirmation surgeries, when appropriate and the person the personwant.

Transitioning Processes

Medical Transition:

The medical transition implies the use of hormonal therapy and surgical procedures to modify the physical characteristics in order to align them with the gender identity of the individual. Hormonal therapy is a common step in the medical transition for both men and trans women. In the case of trans men, testosterone therapy is administered to induce male effects such as facial hair growth, voice thickening and increased muscle mass. On the other hand, transsexual women undergo estrogen therapy to develop female features such as breast growth, redistribution of body fat and softer skin.

• Trans men undergo testosterone therapy to develop male characteristics.
• Trans women undergo estrogen therapy to develop female characteristics.

Surgical procedures are another aspect of the medical transition and may vary depending on the desired result. In the case of trans men, chest male surgery, also known as the upper part surgery, can be performed to remove breast tissue and create a more masculine appearance of the chest. In addition, some trans men choose to undergo genital reconstruction surgery, also known as falplasty, to create a neopene. On the contrary, transsexual women can undergo breast increase surgery to improve the size and shape of the breasts. Genital reconstruction surgery, known as vaginoplasty, can also be an option for trans women to create a neovagin.

1. Transsexual men can opt for chest male surgery and genital reconstruction surgery.
2. Transsexual women can opt for chest increase surgery and genital reconstruction surgery.

It is important to keep in mind that the medical transition is not a unique approach and that the specific steps that are given may vary from one person to another depending on their needs, preferences and recommendations of health personnel.

Social Experiences and Challenges

Social experiences: transsexual people often face prejudices, discrimination and stigma in various aspects of their lives, such as their families, workplaces, educational institutions and communities. They may have difficulty getting the acceptance of their loved ones, suffering the rejection of their classmates or facing unequal treatment in professional environments. These social experiences can significantly impact their mental health and general welfare, and it is essential that health professionals believe a safe and affirmation environment where patients can openly speak of these issues.

“Transsexual people often face prejudices, discrimination and stigma in various aspects of their life …”

Challenges: The challenges facing transsexuals go beyond social pressures and discrimination. Access to health services, hormonal therapies, gender reaffirmation surgeries and support for mental health can be limited or not available, which causes disparities in health care for this population. In addition, legal and administrative procedures, such as the change of identity documents or the update of personal records, can be confused and overwhelming. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for health professionals, since it can greatly affect the physical and mental wel l-being of transgender people.

• Vulnerable to prejudices, discrimination and stigmatization.
• Difficulties in achieving the acceptance and support of loved ones.
• Unequal treatment in professional environments.

Medical Considerations and Treatment Options

One of the main medical considerations for transsexuals is hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy implies the use of hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen, to help align the physical characteristics of an individual with their gender identity. For trans men, hormonal therapy usually involves the use of testosterone to promote the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of facial hair and thickening of voice. On the other hand, transsexual women usually undergo hormonal therapy with estrogen and antiandrogen to induce the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth and a more feminine body shape.

Note: Hormonal therapy must always be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, since it can have various effects on the body and require careful monitoring.

Tables can be used to offer a visual representation of information related to medical considerations and treatment options. Here is an example of a table that summarizes some of the main differences between hormonal therapy for transsexual men and women:

1. Another important aspect of health care for transgender people is gender affirmation surgery. This type of surgery is designed to align a person’s physical appearance with their gender identity. For trans men, gender-affirming surgery may involve procedures such as upper surgery (mastectomy) or lower surgery (phalloplasty or metoidioplasty). Trans women, for their part, can undergo procedures such as breast augmentation or genital reconstruction surgery (vaginoplasty).
2. Psychological support and counseling are also crucial aspects of transgender healthcare. Mental health professionals can help transgender people overcome the emotional challenges and social pressures that often accompany their journey. Additionally, counseling can assist in the gender transition process and provide coping strategies for any feelings of dysphoria that may arise.

Support and Advocacy for Transgender Individuals

An essential aspect of support for transgender people is the provision of competent and affirming health services. It is essential that healthcare professionals receive appropriate training to understand the specific healthcare needs of transgender people. This includes knowledge about hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and mental health considerations. By improving provider awareness and competency, transgender people can receive the care they need without feeling judged or misunderstood.

Key strategies to support and advocate for transgender people include:

1. Educate healthcare professionals: Ensure that healthcare professionals receive comprehensive education and training on health issues related to transgenderism.
2. Provide accessible information: Create resources and materials that are easily accessible and provide accurate information about transgender healthcare, including local transgender-friendly healthcare providers.
3. Establish support networks: Create support groups and networks for transgender people to connect with others who share similar experiences and provide them with emotional support.

Educating Healthcare Providers

One of the main steps to support transgender people is to educate healthcare professionals about the specific healthcare needs of this population. This training should focus on understanding transgender identities, the appropriate use of language and raising awareness to avoid discrimination or gender errors. Equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills can significantly improve the overall healthcare experience of transgender people.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont