CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A TOTAL COHORT OF FEMALE AND MALE APPLICANTS FOR SEX REASSIGNMENT - A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

The objective of this study was to compare the features of female-to-m ale transsexuals (F-M) with those of male-to-female transsexuals (M-F) in the cohort of all applicants for sex reassignment over a 20-year p eriod. In an observational, cross-sectional design the cohort was retr ospectively identified, consisting of all 233 subjects who applied for sex reassignment in Sweden during the period 1972-1992. The cohort wa s subdivided into the groups M-F (n=134) and F-M (n=99), and the two g roups were compared. M-F were older when applying for sex reassignment surgery than F-M, and more often had a history of marriage and childr en than their F-M counterparts. M-F also had more heterosexual experie nce. F-M, on the other hand, more frequently exhibited cross-gender be haviour in childhood than did M-F transsexuals. The present and previo us studies strongly support the view that transsexualism manifests its elf differently in males and females. Various models for understanding these differences are discussed.