Sexual functioning in applicants for gender-confirming treatment: a European multicenter follow-up study

Sexual complaints in the general population are prevalent, are accompanied by a significant distress and influence the quality of life of the individual and/or couple. While population surveys have looked at sexual complaints, sexual dysfunction and distress in the general population, information on the sexuality of individuals applying for gender-confirming treatment is rare. In the past, gender dysphoria was often looked upon as a ‘hyposexual’ state and the resolution of gender dysphoria overshadowed the striving towards building sexually active and pleasureful lives after treatment. A cohort of 200 applicants who was first assessed during 2007-2009 was questioned on a broad range of potential complaints with regard to their sexual functioning, their experience of distress and their satisfaction with several sexual behaviors in a multicenter European follow-up study. These results will give clinicians working with this population the necessary input for psychoeducation offered during the diagnostic and counseling process