Recent developments have highlighted renewed efforts by anti-transgender movements to influence public opinion through selective research initiatives. A notable instance is the Trump administration’s directive for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to focus studies exclusively on transition regret among transgender individuals. This approach raises concerns about potential biases and the misrepresentation of the transgender community’s experiences.
As a transgender woman who has lived with lifelong gender dysphoria and has found immense relief since beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) over two years ago, I know firsthand how gender-affirming care can be life-saving. This article is written not just with data and evidence, but with empathy—for transgender individuals, their families, and allies seeking truth in a world filled with misinformation.
What Is Transition Regret, Really?
Transition regret refers to feelings of dissatisfaction or remorse after undergoing gender-affirming medical interventions. However, it is a term that’s often misunderstood and weaponized. In reality, “regret” can stem from many sources:
- Surgical complications or dissatisfaction with results
- Lack of social or familial support
- Facing discrimination or harassment post-transition
- External pressures or rushed medical decisions—not the actual identity of the person
It’s essential to understand that transition regret does not usually mean regretting being transgender. Most individuals who experience regret still affirm their gender identity—they may simply wish their journey had been handled differently.
Examining the Evidence
A systematic review published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery analyzed 27 studies involving nearly 8,000 transgender individuals who underwent gender-affirming surgeries. The findings revealed that only about 1% of participants expressed any form of regret. This low prevalence underscores the overall satisfaction and positive outcomes associated with these procedures.
Further supporting this, a study highlighted by the American Journal of Surgery found that regret rates for gender-affirming surgeries are significantly lower than those for other surgical procedures. Specifically, while regret after gender-affirming surgery is less than 1%, elective plastic surgeries exhibit higher regret rates, emphasizing the effectiveness and appropriateness of gender-affirming interventions for those with gender dysphoria.
Factors Influencing Regret
When regret does occur, it’s often linked to external factors rather than the transition itself. Common contributors include:
- Lack of Social Support: Individuals without supportive family or community networks may experience increased challenges post-transition.
- Discrimination and Stigma: Facing societal prejudice can impact one’s overall well-being and satisfaction with the transition process.
- Surgical Complications: As with any medical procedure, complications can arise, potentially leading to dissatisfaction.
Addressing these factors through comprehensive pre-transition counseling and robust post-transition support can further reduce the already minimal regret rates.
What Do People Who Regret Transitioning Actually Say?
Even among the rare few who express regret, many don’t regret their identity—they regret the conditions under which they transitioned. Some cite lack of proper psychological evaluation, coercion by family or societal pressures, or difficulty accessing proper medical information. These cases highlight the importance of robust, individualized, and affirming care—not restrictions.
Weaponizing these rare stories to justify banning care is both unethical and deeply harmful.
How Anti-Trans Movements Exploit Regret Narratives
Selective amplification of regret cases is a strategic move. By focusing only on regret—and ignoring the thousands of positive, fulfilling transitions—anti-trans voices seek to paint transition as inherently risky or regretful. It’s a political tactic, not a scientific or medical conclusion.
Much like earlier “gay regret” or conversion therapy narratives, this tactic exploits fear, spreads misinformation, and seeks to invalidate entire identities based on fringe experiences.
Mental Health Improvements Post-Transition
For those with gender dysphoria, transitioning often marks the beginning of psychological healing. Numerous studies have shown that:
- Depression and anxiety decrease significantly post-transition
- Suicide attempt rates drop
- Self-esteem and life satisfaction increase
These gains aren’t anecdotal—they’re measurable, peer-reviewed, and consistently replicated across populations and countries.
How Cisgender Procedures Compare
Regret rates for medical procedures are not unique to transgender care. For example:
- Knee replacement surgery has a regret rate around 10-15%
- Breast augmentation regret sits at 20-25%
- Vasectomy regret ranges from 4-9%
Compare that to under 1% for gender-affirming surgeries. If we’re going to regulate procedures based on regret, gender-affirming care would be among the last to worry about.
The Role of Medical Gatekeeping
When regrets do occur, they often stem from poor medical practices—like rushed diagnoses, inadequate counseling, or a lack of long-term planning. Ironically, many of the same anti-trans politicians advocating for bans also oppose professional standards like WPATH guidelines and informed consent models that reduce these risks.
Comprehensive, affirming, and personalized care is the best way to protect trans individuals—not blanket restrictions.
What Best Practice Care Looks Like
True best practice care includes:
- Informed consent and psychological evaluation
- Access to HRT and surgery only when appropriate
- Ongoing mental health support
- Cultural competency among healthcare providers
When this level of care is provided, outcomes are overwhelmingly positive. We don’t need to fear transition—we need to support trans people with access to safe, respectful healthcare.
Lived Experience Must Lead the Conversation
No amount of politically motivated research can outweigh the lived experiences of transgender people. We know ourselves. We know our needs. We know what it feels like to live in a body or identity that doesn’t match who we are—and we know the life-changing power of being affirmed.
I transitioned because I needed to. Because nothing else relieved the ache that had lived in my bones since childhood. I did not do it lightly. I did it to live.
And I do not regret it.
The Bottom Line
The directive to study transition regret in isolation appears to be a strategic move by anti-transgender entities to skew public perception. However, the overwhelming body of research demonstrates that regret among transgender individuals who undergo gender-affirming treatments is exceptionally low. It’s imperative for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to rely on comprehensive, unbiased data when considering the needs and experiences of the transgender community. Focusing solely on rare instances of regret without acknowledging the broader context risks misinforming the public and undermining the well-being of transgender individuals.
