ON BECOMING A MAN, ON BECOMING A WOMAN – CASE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Intending to promote the welfare of the transsexual population there are worldwide changes in clinical management recommendations. The criteria for treatments aim at minimizing the effects of Gender Dysphoria of this population safeguarding their right to human dignity and shall be adopted by the conditions of eligibility and readiness; the complex sex reassignment surgery is among these treatments. Objective: To discuss the atypical situation of a transsexual subject who does not want to go through the surgical procedure. Method: Use of qualitative interview aimed at studying the relationships of meanings attributed by the research subject. Results: Descriptive Case Report of atypical subject opposed to one of the elements of the psychiatric diagnosis of transsexualism: meeting the eligibility criteria for gender reassignment, prefers to keep its physical characteristics but maintains a positive attitude to the body due to its efficient psychological defenses. Conclusion: This case invites us to reflect that sex change, although alleviating gender dysphoria, may not be sufficient as a treatment for the transsexual. The treatment recommendation must go beyond the eligibility and must assess the benefit offered to the quality of life of the subject within unpathologized new perspectives promoted by humanitarian organizations in health care.