(Below is just a brief summary of what to expect.)
(Amended 03/11/09)
If you believe yourself to be
transsexual or are confused about your gender identity or expression of
your gender, you may wish to consider treatment. Treatment is offered
at a number of centres across Scotland. It follows a well established
pattern, through a series of stages, ultimately leading to gender
reassignment surgery. The process has a number of appointments with
specialists and will also involve your own GP. Some GP's however,
may be unsympathetic to treatment - in this case you may have to change
your doctor.
You should be aware that the process
involves a radical change in your life, with far-reaching effects. It
will affect every aspect of your life, particularly your relationships
with your family and friends, but also with the public in general. It
may affect your employment and your lifestyle.
Initial assessment
Treatment of FTM transsexuals begins with a referral to a
gender specialist. This can be done via your GP, or directly. The
initial assessment may be followed by a diagnosis. If gender dysphoria is
diagnosed, you will be accepted for treatment. If there is any doubt about
diagnosis, then further assessments may be required, or counselling may be
recommended before you are accepted.
Real Life Experience
During
this period, you will need to live continuously in your preferred gender in
the whole of your day-to-day life for at least a year before you can
get surgery. It is important to experience the realities and
challenges of interacting in your preferred gender in your local
community through all situations such as employment, voluntary work,
educational study, with relatives and in social & leisure
activities. This will involve changing your name, updating all documents
such as passport and driving license, and altering details for
banks, energy suppliers, etc. You will also be
expected to attend support group meetings.
This
is in accordance with the guidelines set out in the ‘Standards of Care’
as laid down by the World Professional Association for Transgender
Health (WPATH), formally known as the Harry Benjamin International
Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA). www.wpath.org
Second assessment
After 3 months a review will follow, with a further
interview with a second specialist, to confirm the diagnosis. Evidence
will be required to show that you are living full time in your new
role.
Hormone Treatment
If the diagnosis is agreed then masculinising hormone treatment may be
prescribed, in the way of testosterone. This has irreversable actions and can only be prescibed after 1 year of a Real Life Experience is completed. It is
vital that monitoring, by the way of blood tests etc, is done when
taking hormones, as they may have dangerous side effects.
Surgery
Various types of surgery are open for FTM's, including, breast reduction and those to change the appearance of their genitals.
Post Transition
Service users are normally offered an appointment to attend the clinic 6 months post transition.
