The proportion of transgender individuals who express dissatisfaction or reversal of their gender affirmation process is a subject of ongoing research. Studies attempt to quantify the number of individuals who, after undergoing medical or social transition, subsequently regret their decision to transition. For example, a study might examine the number of individuals who detransitioned, whether medically or socially, and assess the reasons behind this choice, including feelings of regret.
Understanding the prevalence of transition regret is important for several reasons. Accurate data can inform clinical guidelines for transgender healthcare, potentially leading to improved screening and counseling processes. Furthermore, data can contribute to a more nuanced public discourse surrounding transgender issues, moving beyond simplistic narratives. Historically, data on this topic has been limited and often subject to methodological limitations, leading to widely varying estimates.
