Iatrogenic Harm in Gender Medicine.

Area of Science:

• Medical ethics
• Gender studies
• Psychology

Background:

• Detransition and transition regret are increasingly discussed.
• The current gender-affirmation model of care may have limitations.
• Young detransitioners are publicly sharing their experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for open discussion and research on gender transition regret and detransition.
• To advocate for a revised approach to gender-affirming care that minimizes regret.
• To call for recognition and support for detransitioners.

Main Methods:

• This is a commentary, not an empirical study.
• It involves critical analysis of the current gender-affirmation model.
• It synthesizes existing concerns and calls for future action.

Main Results:

• The increasing number of detransitioners indicates potential issues within the gender-affirmation model.
• Current approaches may not adequately address all patient needs, leading to regret.
• Detransitioners are described as survivors of iatrogenic harm.

Conclusions:

• The medical community must foster open dialogue and collaborative research regarding gender transition.
• Clinical practices should evolve to ensure that regret and detransition become exceedingly rare.
• Detransitioners require personalized medical care and support systems, recognizing their experiences as harm.