"Escaping the Gender Prison"-Transgender Men's Experience Before and After Hysterectomy: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to examine the experiences of female-to-male transgendered individuals (FtMs) who underwent gender-affirming hysterectomy (GAH) and to investigate patients' perceptions of GAH and their expectations and support needs from healthcare professionals before and after the surgery. The study used a phenomenological approach and a qualitative research method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. The sample was selected using diversity sampling, which is one of the deliberate sampling methods. The study included 20 FtMs with a GAH in Turkey between February 2022 and 2023. As a result of the study, participants identified three main themes: experiences with body and gender identity, experiences with health professionals and systems, and mental and physical recovery from surgery. FtMs individuals reported less distress and more happiness after undergoing a hysterectomy. The participants expected health professionals and society to raise awareness, normalize the process, and improve legal procedures. They advocated for legal regulations that address reproductive deprivation and identity issues without surgery and the ability to freeze oocytes before hysterectomy. This study sheds light on the experiences of transgender FtMs before and after GAH. These findings can potentially improve gender-affirming healthcare, particularly in our country.