SRS (Sex Reassignment Surgery): Definition and Gender Affirmation Surgeries
Definition : SRS, or "Sex Reassignment Surgery", is the term often heard when talking about surgical operations as part of a gender transition.
- Keywords
- SRS, Sex Reassignment Surgery, gender affirmation surgeries, gender transition, gender identity, mastectomy, hysterectomy, phalloplasty, vaginoplasty, breast augmentation, facial feminization, trans men, trans women, neo-vagina, neo-penis, LGBTQ+ vocabulary
- Topics
- Sexual Health & Prevention
- Updated
What is SRS (Sex Reassignment Surgery)?
SRS, or “Sex Reassignment Surgery”, is the term often heard when talking about surgical operations as part of a gender transition. But be careful, it’s a bit of a catch-all. In reality, we should rather speak of gender affirmation surgeries. And no, it’s not “THE” surgery, but a set of possible operations.
What are the different gender affirmation surgeries?
For trans men, it can be a mastectomy (breast removal), a hysterectomy (uterus removal), or even a phalloplasty (penis creation). For trans women, we speak of vaginoplasty (vagina creation), breast augmentation, or facial feminization. Each journey is unique, and each person chooses the operations that suit them, or not.
Is gender affirmation surgery mandatory to be trans?
The common misconception is that you absolutely have to go under the knife to be “truly” trans. That’s nonsense. Your gender identity is in your head and heart, not between your legs. More and more trans people do not feel the need to undergo surgery, and that is perfectly valid. Hormones alone can already bring physical changes that are enough to feel good in one’s skin. And fortunately, the law has evolved: no more need for surgery to change your civil status. It is your strict right to decide what you want to do with your body.
How to prepare for gender affirmation surgery?
If you are considering surgery, know that it is a long and demanding process. It requires psychological preparation, rigorous medical follow-up, and a good dose of patience. The operations themselves are major, with risks and a recovery that can be difficult. You need to be well supported, have a good surgeon, and be sure of your decision. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly, but for many, it’s the culmination of a long journey, a rebirth.
What happens after gender affirmation surgery?
After the operation, a new life begins, but also new things to learn. If you have a neo-vagina, you will need to perform regular dilations to prevent it from closing. If you have a neo-penis, the sensitivity will not be the same. It will take time to reappropriate this new body, to discover new pleasures. It’s a journey, with its ups and downs. But in the end, it’s the chance to finally look at yourself in the mirror and recognize yourself. And that, that’s priceless.