Studies Report Over 97% Patient Satisfaction with Gender-Affirming Bottom Surgery Amidst Public Debate

A recent social media post by conservative commentator Adam Lowisz has ignited a public discussion regarding gender-affirming bottom surgery, with Lowisz asserting the procedure is "the absolute worst thing that any trans person can do." In a tweet, Lowisz claimed the surgery "leaves you permanently disfigured with lots of health complications for the rest of your life" and questioned the legality of allowing "the mentally ill to disfigure themselves so horribly." This statement, shared on platforms like X, directly challenges widely accepted medical consensus on gender-affirming care.

Major medical organizations worldwide, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), recognize gender-affirming care as medically necessary and evidence-based treatment for gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is defined as the distress experienced when an individual's gender identity does not align with the sex assigned at birth. These organizations affirm that such care, including surgery, significantly improves the physical and mental health of transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Contrary to claims of widespread disfigurement and debilitating complications, medical studies consistently report high rates of patient satisfaction following gender-affirming surgeries. A systematic review published in 2021 found that 97.9% of transgender individuals who underwent gender-affirming surgery reported satisfaction with the procedure. Another study indicated a regret rate of less than 1%, underscoring the positive long-term outcomes for the vast majority of patients.

While all surgical procedures carry inherent risks such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia, specific complications for gender-affirming bottom surgeries are generally manageable. For instance, issues like vaginal narrowing after vaginoplasty or urethral problems after phalloplasty may occur but are often treatable, sometimes requiring additional corrective surgeries. Medical professionals emphasize that the benefits of alleviating gender dysphoria and improving overall well-being typically outweigh these potential risks.

The assertion that individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery are "mentally ill" is widely refuted by medical and mental health experts. Gender dysphoria is a recognized medical condition, and gender-affirming care is a therapeutic pathway designed to alleviate the associated distress, not to enable self-harm by those with mental illness. The decision to pursue surgery is typically made after careful consideration and consultation with a multidisciplinary care team, including mental health providers and surgeons.

Adam Lowisz, known for his conservative views and frequent commentary on social and political issues, has often expressed skepticism and opposition to gender-affirming care. His public statements frequently emphasize traditional gender roles and biological determinism, contributing to ongoing public debate. However, medical bodies continue to advocate for gender-affirming care as a crucial component of comprehensive healthcare for transgender individuals, emphasizing patient autonomy and evidence-based practice.