Health risk when implementing hormone and operation for transgender in Vietnam, 2019

Abstract

This study aimed to describe health risk when implementing hormone and operation for transgender (TG) people in Vietnam. A qualitative study was carried out in 2019 with 12 in-depth interviews with TG in Ha Noi, Nghe An and Ho Chi Minh City. It focused on hormone use and gender afrmation surgeons. Data was analysed using SQR NVivo 10 software. Three themes were identifed: 1) Hormone: A companion on the road to refnding gender; 2) Painful surgical interventions to gender afrmation; and 3) A difcult life with uncertain future. The use of hormones without a prescription and follow-up of doctors makes many TG people in this study fnd persistent fatigue, irritability, gratuitous boredom, memory loss, anxiety and depression. The pre-surgery examination and counselling was too sketchy and the postoperative care was somewhat rushed and careless, making people see their health deteriorated, forgetful and reduce their libido. The law on gender afrmation is needed to ensure safe medical interventions for the transgender population in Vietnam.