Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS)

Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) refers to surgical procedures that change a person's physical and sexual characteristics to align with their gender identity. The term is now considered dated by many clinicians and advocates, who prefer gender-affirming surgery or gender confirmation surgery. The newer language reflects the understanding that surgery affirms an identity a person already holds rather than assigning a new one. There is no single operation. Procedures vary by individual and may include vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, orchiectomy, chest or breast surgery, and facial procedures. Not every transgender person wants or undergoes surgery, and access is guided by standards of care from bodies such as WPATH.