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A surgical perspective on the implications of the classification of gender incongruence as a condition related to sexual health by ICD-11

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 30, pages 352–354 (2018)Cite this article

Over the past decade, the conceptualization of the concept of “gender” has shifted rather strongly from the dichotomous view of man/woman as a binary to a more continuous concept of each person possessing both masculine and feminine characteristics in varying degrees [1]. A recent meta-analysis estimated a prevalence of 6,8:100.000 for transwomen and 2,6:100.000 for transmen [2].

When assigned sex and experienced gender do not align, many persons experience dysphoric feelings and/or express the wish for gender-affirming medical interventions [3]. As with societal changes, developing in less rigid views, conduct of gender-affirming care may not follow a typical linear pathway, like has been required for many years (i.e., establishing a diagnosis, social transitioning, hormones, and eventually surgical procedures) [4].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    M. Özer & T. C. van de Grift

  2. Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    M. Özer & T. C. van de Grift

  3. Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    M. Özer, T. C. van de Grift & L. A. C. L. Gijs

  4. Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Belgium

    L. A. C. L. Gijs

Authors
  1. M. Özer
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  2. T. C. van de Grift
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  3. L. A. C. L. Gijs
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Correspondence to M. Özer.

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Özer, M., van de Grift, T.C. & Gijs, L.A.C.L. A surgical perspective on the implications of the classification of gender incongruence as a condition related to sexual health by ICD-11. Int J Impot Res 30, 352–354 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-018-0092-9

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