Teenagers who wish to undergo sex changes, otherwise known as transgender youth, are dividing opinion across the world. Proponents think they should be allowed to be whatever sex they choose while opponents say they are just kids who don’t know any better. Youths who desire a sex change believe they are a woman born in a man’s body and vice versa and seek treatment to permanently alter their sex.
The Kids Aren’t Alright
Youths in this situation are confused, hurt and angry. They are often rejected by their peers who slander them using derogatory terms. Transgender youth are victims of:
- Bullying
- Abuse
- Trauma
- Legal issues
- Educational difficulties
- Rejection
Medical studies have shown that transgender youths have a much higher mortality rate than their peers as the pain suffered from having society turning its back on them proves too much.
Physicians must work hard to gain the trust of these youths. It is a fact that numerous doctors are unwilling to help transgender youths because of their personal stance on the matter. Those that elect to help these individuals must show care and understanding far beyond what they would with other youths. An understanding physician can be the difference between a transgender youth opening up or retreating into a shell.
Making The Transition
Transgender youths make the transition from one sex to another in three distinct phases:
- Reversible
- Partially reversible
- Irreversible
The reversible part of the transition can occur in kids as young as 10. This involves changing their outward physical appearance such as clothing, hairstyles, name and the way they play with other children. It is possible to use gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues which can halt puberty. It is rare and indeed unwise to take such a drastic step on such a young child.
Cross-gender hormone therapy is used in the partially reversible part of the transition. Although it is not recommended to use such therapy on children younger than 16, physicians are advised to weigh up the matter based on the client before them. Children looking for cross-gender hormone therapy need to be assessed to ensure they are mentally ready for the procedure.
For females looking to become males, testosterone is administered while men looking to become women are given estrogen and androgen inhibitors. Progesterone could also be used but this leads to weight gain in many cases.
The final step is the irreversible transition which involves surgery such as:
- Labioplasty
- Vaginoplasty
- Tracheal shave
- Breast implants
- Phalloplasty
- Neoscrotum
However, it is still crystal clear that transgender youth, especially in America, are being left on the sidelines with insurance companies refusing to pay for their care. This is a divisive issue, one which is sure to be at the centre of controversy for many years to come.
