An epidemiological and demographic study of transsexuals in The Netherlands

Abstract

This is an epidemiological and demographic study of 1285 transsexuals in the Netherlands. The data were collected from 1975 to the end of 1992. Over 95% of the Dutch transsexuals have been treated at the study center. Between 1975 and 1984 the annual number of female-to-male transsexuals increased, stabilizing thereafter. In the male-to-female transsexuals this trend continued up to 1989, declining slightly thereafter. Over the last 5 years on average 50 (range 38-60) male-to-female transsexuals and 21 (range 14-25) female-to-male transsexuals received surgical and/or hormonal treatment yearly. The sex ratio remained stable over this period: 3 male vs. 1 female subject. The calculated prevalence of transsexualism in The Netherlands is 1:11,900 males and 1:30,400 females. Transsexuals live predominantly in urbanized areas, but those living in nonurbanized areas show an even distribution over the country. The majority of female-to-male transsexuals apply for reassignment between the ages of 20-25, seldom in middle ages. The majority of male-to-female transsexuals do so between the ages of 25-30 and middle-aged subjects are not rare. Between 77-80% of both categories receive surgical and/or hormonal treatment. Five male-to-female transsexuals regretted sex reassignment.