Sex surgery that allows men to become women or vice versa is still difficult to accept in Indonesia. Not only complicated, this operation is also high risk.
Sex surgery is a surgical procedure on someone who experiences differences between genders and behavior, or is often called transsexualism. However, in fact, sex surgery can also be performed on people who have had multiple sexes since birth.
Stages of Sex Surgery
When someone wants to have genital surgery, there are several stages of the procedure that must be followed, namely:
- Evaluation
First of all, a mental health evaluation must be carried out by a psychiatrist, namely a psychologist or psychiatrist. This examination may reveal a gender identity disorder (e.g.,gender identity disorder), which makes sufferers feel depressed due to the gender they feel is not right. At this stage, the doctor can provide further understanding of the risks and side effects of genital surgery.
- Hormone therapy
Before a person is allowed to undergo genital surgery, they must undergo hormone therapy according to the desired sex. This therapy will help the body initiate the change towards the desired sex. Hormones also give rise to secondary sex characteristics such as voice, muscle mass, and breast size.
For a man who wants to be a woman, then he needs to receive the hormone estrogen. Meanwhile, for women who want to be men, they must get testosterone. Generally, hormone therapy is recommended for a year or more before genital surgery. When hormone therapy is deemed insufficient, then the possibility of venereal surgery is considered. Hormone therapy can be continued after sex surgery is done.
- Surgery
For female to male genital surgery, the procedure includes removing both breasts, removal of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. In addition, the formation of the penis, scrotum, as well as testicular and penile implants will be carried out. To ensure the penis can function properly, additional surgery may be required.
Meanwhile, for male-to-female genital surgery, the testes and penis are removed as well as the formation of the vulva, vagina, and clitoris. Additional operations required include breast implants and plastic surgery for a more feminine face shape.
Paying Attention to the Risks
Efforts to change sex are not without risk. Hormone therapy that is carried out on a long-term basis has a risk of side effects causing acne, hair loss, weight gain, gallstones, sleep apnea disorders, to blood clots.blood clot).
In addition, there is also a risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, brain tumors, and other dangerous conditions. Hormone therapy can also reduce fertility, thereby possibly causing infertility, even if therapy has been discontinued. In addition, in undergoing genital surgery procedures, the risk of anesthesia and postoperative complications is higher.
Legal Aspects of Sex Surgery in Indonesia
In Indonesia, laws that clearly prohibit or allow genital surgery are not yet enshrined in the law. However, Health Law no. 36 of 2009 article 69 paragraph 1 states that plastic and reconstructive surgery can only be carried out by health workers who have the expertise and authority to do so. Meanwhile, Article 2 states that plastic and reconstructive surgery must not conflict with the norms prevailing in society and are not intended to change identity.
Meanwhile, people who have had sex surgery must apply for a change of identity to the court. This is in accordance with Law no. 23 of 2006 concerning Population Administration article 56 paragraph 1, namely the recording of other important events is carried out by civil registration officials at the request of the population concerned after a district court decision has permanent legal force.
What is meant by 'other important events' are events determined by the district court to be registered with the implementing agency, including changes in gender.
Genital surgery is not a simple procedure that can be done at any time when desired. There are stages that must be passed before undergoing the procedure, including health risks that must be understood. It needs careful and careful consideration before deciding on sex surgery. One of them is that genital surgery is permanent. A person cannot return to their original genitalia after going through this procedure.