Of course. When people ask about the "regret rate" for gender-affirming care, they are often seeking to understand the likelihood that someone might regret their transition. Based on the shared experiences of transgender individuals, the overall picture is one of very high satisfaction and extremely low regret.
Here are the key themes that help answer this question.
The Regret Rate is Remarkably Low
The most consistent finding from personal accounts and the studies they reference is that the regret rate for gender-affirming surgery is very low. It is frequently cited as being around 1% for transgender women and slightly higher, around 2-3%, for transgender men. As one person explains, "I think you're going to find the regret rate for transgender women is very low... In the US it about 1% for transgender women and about 2 to 3 for transgender men" – No_Committee5510 source [citation:2c30602e-e5f9-48d5-aecd-6573975b6706]. This rate is often described as being "a bit lower than 1% from the few studies existing" – GuerandeSaltLord source [citation:fc8bf3e7-d088-4cb1-acf1-cc56c252bdc5].
Lower Than Many Common Medical Procedures
To put this low percentage into perspective, many individuals compare it to the regret rates of other common surgeries. This comparison helps normalize the concept of medical risk and highlights that gender-affirming care is among the most successful treatments in terms of patient satisfaction. One user provides a clear comparison: "To place that in perspective for you The average regret rate for knee surgery is between 25% to 30% for knee replacement surgery and for breast augmentation the regret rate is about 45%" – No_Committee5510 source [citation:2c30602e-e5f9-48d5-aecd-6573975b6706].
Understanding the Rare Cases of Regret
While regret is rare, the community emphasizes the importance of listening to those who experience it to understand why it happens. The reasons are often not about being "not trans," but are linked to other factors. These can include undergoing surgery for the wrong reasons, having a poor support system, or experiencing significant medical complications. As one person who regrets their surgery shares, "I fully regret surgery, though I would also say I did it for the wrong reasons and had a bad support structure leading up to it" – sadhopelessthrowaway source [citation:63d2aa3c-f1f6-489d-b8fe-84a65da5b68e]. This highlights the importance of thorough self-reflection, a strong support network, and careful surgical planning.
A Decision Weighed Against Certainty
Many transgender individuals mentally prepare for the small risk of regret by comparing it to the near-certainty of distress from not transitioning. The decision is framed as choosing the path with the greatest potential for happiness based on the information available. One person explains this perspective: "I know from my own experience that not doing it would lead to the biggest regret of my life... I will never choose the option that I know has a 100% guarantee of leading to regret for me" – melliii-chan source [citation:19bf66b0-3210-4e36-977b-07495f844884].
In summary, the collective experience of the transgender community indicates that regret following gender-affirming surgery is an uncommon outcome. The consistently cited very low rates, especially when compared to other medical procedures, suggest that for the vast majority of people, these procedures are a profoundly positive and necessary step in aligning their bodies with their true selves. The journey involves careful consideration, but the overwhelming evidence points toward life-changing satisfaction and well-being.