Gender dysphoria is a concept that continues to generate confusion and questions, even though it is increasingly present in society and the media. It is often mistakenly used as a synonym for transsexuality, when in fact they are two different concepts. Understanding what gender dysphoria is and how it differs from gender identity can help both trans people beginning their transition and families with a trans child. In fact, this understanding enables respectful, empathetic, and informed support.
What Is Gender Identity?
Gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are concepts that are often confused and are not necessarily related to the sex assigned at birth. Gender identity can be defined as the deep, internal sense a person has of their own gender. It is important to understand that this does not depend on the sex assigned at birth—usually based on genitalia—nor on physical traits, social norms, culture, or upbringing. Gender identity is an intimate experience that typically develops from a very early age and may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth or societal expectations.
A person may identify as a woman, man, non-binary, gender-fluid, among other identities. And like any other human characteristic, this identity deserves respect and recognition. Trans identities are part of human diversity and exist across all societies, cultures, and historical periods. The visibility of trans people in a specific society depends not on their presence, but on that society’s laws, customs, and attitudes toward diversity.
What Is Gender Dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria arises when there is significant distress between a person’s gender identity and their physical characteristics – primary or secondary – or the social roles imposed upon them. For a long time, society confused gender dysphoria with transsexuality. However, it is important to clarify that not all trans people experience dysphoria, and not feeling dysphoria does not invalidate a trans person’s experience.
When gender dysphoria is present, it can cause distress that interferes with a person’s emotional, social, or functional well-being, and therefore, their health. However, dysphoria is not a disease. It is an experience related to one’s body, environment, and identity that may require emotional, social, psychological, or medical support.
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) defines gender dysphoria as “the discomfort or distress that may accompany a mismatch between one’s experienced or expressed gender and one’s assigned gender at birth.”
Physical (Body) Gender Dysphoria
Body dysphoria, also known as physical gender dysphoria, refers to the distress caused when a person’s sexual characteristics are not perceived as aligned with their gender identity. This type of dysphoria can manifest in various ways and affect different parts of the body, depending on each individual. It may focus on the genitals, chest, voice, facial hair, Adam’s apple, facial shape, hips, or body fat distribution, among others.
This dysphoria may intensify during adolescence due to hormonal changes or during specific moments such as being in public spaces, intimate situations, or medical checkups.
Some trans people who experience this incongruence with their bodies may choose to undergo hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery. This decision should be personal, informed, and supported by qualified professionals.
Social Dysphoria
When the distress originates not from the body but from a lack of social acceptance, we refer to it as social dysphoria. This is the suffering experienced by a trans person when their true gender identity is not recognized by their surroundings.
Social dysphoria may manifest when a trans person is addressed using a name or pronouns that do not match their identity. Examples include being forced to dress or behave according to external gender norms, or being excluded, ignored, harassed, or ridiculed. These actions can occur in everyday situations such as using public restrooms, filling out binary-gendered forms, facing family or school comments, or experiencing discrimination or violence.
This discomfort can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or difficulty maintaining healthy social relationships. That’s why family and educational environments play a key role in preventing social dysphoria by creating safe and respectful spaces.
How Is Gender Dysphoria Addressed?
There is no single approach. Every person is unique and experiences their identity individually. Some trans people find well-being simply through having their identity recognized, without needing significant physical changes. Others may benefit from gender-affirming therapies such as hormone therapy, voice feminization or masculinization therapy, or gender-affirming surgery.
WPATH, in its most recent publication, “Standards of Care v8,” states that care must always be individualized, informed, and respectful. It recommends working with multidisciplinary teams made up of professionals in psychology, endocrinology, gender surgery, social work, and legal advising—especially for children and adolescents.
The Crucial Role of Families in Gender Dysphoria
When a family understands what gender dysphoria is and how to support their loved one, they become a fundamental pillar. Validating and respecting the chosen name and pronouns, and seeking accurate information together can prevent or greatly reduce the impact of gender dysphoria.
There are family associations, specialized professionals, and resources available to offer guidance and support to both the trans person and their family and social environment.
Gender-Affirming Surgery and Dysphoria
Gender-affirming surgery, also known as gender reassignment surgery, may be part of the process to alleviate body dysphoria in adults. There are different types of procedures depending on each person’s needs: mastectomy, vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, facial feminization, hairline advancement, among others.
Not all trans people wish to undergo surgery, and those who do may have different motivations. When performed under rigorous medical standards and in specialized centers like IM GENDER, surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for those who choose it.
Gender Dysphoria Is Not a Disease
Gender dysphoria does not define trans people, and it may or may not be part of their journey toward well-being and overall health. It is not a disease. It is a source of suffering that can be alleviated when trans people are able to live their identities fully, without fear, with real options, and with the respect they deserve.
For those beginning their process, and for families offering support, getting informed is the first step. Listening without judgment, validating without conditions, and accessing trained and experienced professionals can help make the transition easier and safer.
At IM GENDER, we work with a comprehensive approach grounded in respect, empathy, and science. If you have questions about gender dysphoria or gender-affirming surgery, request a first consultation. We’re here for you!