Effect of Sex Reassignment Surgery on Satisfaction and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Gender dysphoria refers to a feeling of awkwardness or discomfort in an anatomically compatible gender role and a desire to have a body of the opposite sex, as well as the negative emotion associated with marked incompatibility between the sex they have and their experienced or expressed gender. It is known that sex reassignment surgeries cause critical changes in the lives of individuals with gender dysphoria. For this reason, it is thought that it is important to follow up individuals before and after surgery. In this systematic review study, it is aimed to examine the effect of sex reassignment surgery for individuals with gender dysphoria on body and sexual satisfaction and quality of life. The framework of the research question was created on the basis of PICOS steps. PubMed, PsycARTICLES and ULAKBİM databases were used in the literature review. The review is based on studies that measure body and sexual satisfaction and quality of life before and after sex reassignment surgery. The study was created using the preferred reporting elements for the PRISMA Statement checklist. The publication year range of the articles evaluated within the framework of inclusion and exclusion criteria among the total articles reached is 2014-2022. The studies were examined in two separate groups: studies on body and sexual satisfaction and studies on quality of life. After examining the articles, it was concluded that sex reassignment surgery increases the body and sexual satisfaction of individuals as well as enhancing the quality of life.