Transexualism

What is transexualism?

Transexualism is a gender identity disorder in which a person assumes the characteristics and permanently acts the part of the gender opposite to his or her biological sex. It is an intense disturbance of a person's sense of sexual identity, where there is a deep desire to be the opposite sex. The person may also believe that he or she is "trapped" in a body of the wrong sex. Transexualism affects men to a greater degree than it affects women.

• Abnormality in chromosomes.
• Hormonal disturbances.
• Lack of proper parent–child bonding.
• Improper child rearing.

Symptoms of transexualism

The symptoms of transexualism (see Boxes) are expressed differently in adults and children. Some of the symptoms seen in adults may be missing in children and vice-versa.

Diagnosing transexualism

If parents notice the above symptoms in their child and suspect a gender disorder, they may have to seek the immediate assistance of a health care provider specializing in such problems. A complete physical exam is conducted to rule out other factors that may be causing a sexual identity problem.

In the case of adults, close relatives may want to consult a specialist about the problem. The diagnosis of gender identity disorder is made only if the person is distressed or has problems in social, interpersonal, or occupational functioning. Whether child or adult, it is quite a distressing fact to know that there is no known prevention for transexualism.

Treatment
Early detection of the disorder and adequate psychological counseling may help—although not certainly, a person to get used to his or her biological sex. Surgery is also an option in more severe cases. This surgery, quite commonly known as a sex-change operation, is performed to change a person’s genitals. Psychological and psychiatric evaluation and counseling precedes the surgery to ascertain whether the person is prepared for the sex-change operation as the results of the surgery are not reversible. Once the sex change is done, the person will have to live with it, whether he or she likes it or not. Hormonal therapy will also form part of the entire procedure.