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.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bakker, A., Van Kesteren, P. J. M., Gooren, L. J. G., and Bezemer, P. D. (1993). The prevalence of transsexualism in the Netherlands.Acta Psychiat. Scand. 87: 237–238.
Blanchard, R., Clemmensen, L. H., and Steiner, B. W. (1987). Heterosexual and homosexual gender dysphoria.Arch. Sex. Behav. 16: 139–152.
Blanchard, R., and Sheridan, P. M. (1990). Gender reorientation and psychosocial adjustment. In R. Blanchard, R. and Steiner, B. W. (eds.),Clinical Management of Gender Identity Disorders in Children and Adults, American Psychiatric Press, Washington, DC, pp. 159–189.
Dixen, J. M., Maddever, H., Van Maasdam, J., and Edwards, P. W. (1984). Psychosocial characteristics of applicants evaluated for surgical gender reassigment.Arch. Sex. Behav. 13: 269–276.
Godlewski, J. (1988). Transsexualism and anatomic sex ratio reversal in Poland.Arch. Sex. Behav. 17: 547–548.
Hoenig, J., and Kenna, J. C. (1974).The Prevalence of Transsexualism in England and Wales.Br. J. Psychiat. 124: 181–190.
Money, J., and Ambinder, R. (1978). Two year real-life diagnostic test: Rehabilitation versus cure. In Brody, J. P., and Brody, H. K. H. (eds.),Controversy in Psychiatry, W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp. 833–845.
Pauly, I. (1968). The current status of change of sex operation.J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 147: 460–471.
Person, E., and Ovesey, L. (1974a). The transsexual syndrome in males. I. Primary transsexualism.Am. J. Psychother. 28: 4–29.
Person, E., and Ovesey, L. (1947b). The transsexual syndrome in males. II. Secondary transsexualism.Am. J. Psychother. 28: 174–193.
Ross, M. W., Wålinder, J., Lundström, B., and Thuwe, I. (1981). Cross-cultural approaches to transsexualism: A comparison between Sweden and Australia.Acta Psychiat. Scand. 63: 75–82.
Tsoi, W. F. (1988). The prevalence of transsexualism in Singapore.Acta Psychiat. Scand. 78: 501–504.
Wålinder, J. (1971). Incidence and sex ratio of transsexualism in Sweden.Br. J. Psychiat. 119: 195–196.
Walker, P. A., Berger, J. C., Green, R., Laub, D. R., Reynolds, C. L., and Wollman, L. (1985). Standards of care. The hormonal and surgical sex reassignment of gender dysphoric persons.Arch. Sex. Behav. 14: 79–90.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
van Kesteren, P.J., Gooren, L.J. & Megens, J.A. An epidemiological and demographic study of transsexuals in the Netherlands. Arch Sex Behav 25, 589–600 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02437841
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02437841