“Won’t They Regret It?” What Research (and Transgender Teen Therapy) Really Shows About Transition Regret
Understanding Transition Regret: What the Evidence Really Says
The question "Won't they regret it?" often surfaces in discussions about transgender people and gender-affirming care. It’s a concern that also comes up for parents exploring transgender teen therapy for their child. This question often arises from misunderstandings about transgender identities. It also involves concerns about gender-affirming healthcare and the risks of regret or harm. Yet, important research and groups like WPATH and HRC offer a different view backed by evidence.
When examining regret rates across different types of major medical procedures, gender-affirming surgery shows a significant reduction in regret rates. Research shows that regret rates for gender transition surgery are about 1% or less. Recent studies reveal that 99.7% of transgender people are happy with their surgery. Gender-affirming surgery has one of the lowest regret rates among all types of surgery. Breast augmentation regret rates range from 5.1% to 9.1%. Back surgery, however, has much higher regret rates, ranging from 10% to 47%. These rates depend on the specific type of procedure. These data show that fears about regret in gender-affirming care are not backed by much evidence. This is especially true when we compare it to other accepted surgical procedures.
Let’s examine what the research and clinical experience actually show and debunk three persistent myths:
Debunking the Myth: “Transgender Identities Aren’t Real” or Are a Threat
What the Evidence Shows
Transgender identities are not a modern invention, nor are they a social fad. Decades of studies and clinical work, along with the experiences of millions, show that transgender identities are real and truly felt. The WPATH Standards of Care (SOC8) were created by global experts in medicine, psychology, and public health. They recognize that gender identity is a fundamental part of being human. Transgender individuals have existed in all cultures throughout history. Trans people have always been around. Today, more people are identifying as transgender. This trend shows we have more words to explain gender dysphoria. Social acceptance has grown, and access to gender-affirming care is now better, too. For the first time in modern history, many people can transition. Before, this option did not exist. Now, more individuals understand and express their transgender identity openly.
The HRC mentions that many transgender children see big improvements in their well-being and mental health when they express their gender identity. When gender dysphoria happens, it can cause distress. This occurs when a person's assigned sex at birth does not match their gender identity. Addressing this through social or medical transition often helps. As a result, symptoms of depression and anxiety often improve. Children and families often feel a "blossoming happiness." A positive outcome is becoming more likely. This is because more people are finding the right words for their experiences. They also have access to healthcare options that were not available before.
The Social Threat Myth
Claims that transgender people are a threat to society are not supported by evidence. Actually, the opposite is true. Transgender people, especially youth, face a higher risk of harm when their identities aren't recognized. Stigma, discrimination, and lack of support are linked to higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. Affirming care and acceptance are connected to mental health that is on par with non-transgender peers.
Transgender people are not a threat. They often encounter hostility from those who fear change. Some people hold beliefs that protect traditional gender norms and power hierarchies. The transgender community challenges strict gender roles. Some see these roles as key to social order. Harm often starts with cisgender people, not transgender individuals. It's their rejection, discrimination, or hostility that affects those who don’t fit typical norms.
Transgender identities are genuine and accepted by major medical and psychological groups. When we affirm these identities, it leads to positive outcomes, not harm.
Debunking the Myth: Gender-Affirming Healthcare Is “Mutilation” or Abuse
What Gender-Affirming Care Actually Is
Gender-affirming healthcare isn’t, like transgender teen therapy, is about “agreeing with” or “pushing” someone to be transgender. It’s about accepting and affirming a person's true self. It recognizes that we fundamentally need to be seen, heard, and known for who we truly are. Living without this basic recognition and acceptance is incredibly painful for anyone. Gender-affirming healthcare is a broad concept. It involves social transition, such as changing names and pronouns. It also includes mental health support. For some, it may mean medical treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgeries. For children who haven't hit puberty yet, transition is purely social. There are no medical or surgical treatments involved.
For adolescents and adults, medical interventions are only considered after careful, individualized assessment. These interventions are significant. They are based on best practices and informed consent. A team of specialists also guides the process. This attentive, person-centered approach shows that affirming care is about helping people live as their true selves. It’s not about directing or altering their identity. The WPATH SOC8 and guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics support gender-affirming care. They say it is essential and can save lives for those who need it. Choosing a trans-friendly therapist means the assessment is done with care. They respect the teen’s experiences and understand their culture. This helps prevent assumptions and stigma.
The "Mutilation" Rhetoric
Labeling gender-affirming care as "mutilation" or "abuse" is wrong and harmful. This language fails to recognize the struggles of gender dysphoria. When untreated, it leads to significant suffering. Many medical interventions that change physical features are widely accepted by society. Hormone therapy supports people with Klinefelter syndrome. Breast augmentation is chosen by cisgender women. Middle-aged men may get testosterone replacement therapy. Rhinoplasty and other surgeries are common too. These procedures aren’t labeled as "mutilation." The words used in transgender healthcare reveal stigma and discrimination instead of true medical issues. The HRC and WPATH highlight that not providing care brings "substantial risks." These risks include worse mental health and a greater risk of suicide. Medical interventions are customized for each person. For youth, reversible options, such as puberty blockers, come first. All care requires the patient's informed consent, and parents often take part for minors. The goal is to relieve suffering, not to cause harm.
The Reality of Teen Gender-Affirming Care
Teenagers are not having surgery "pushed on them." Also, they are not getting genital surgeries, despite what the media and politicians say. Insurance companies and doctors do not approve or perform bottom or genital surgery on anyone under 18. This rule holds true, despite ongoing claims that say otherwise. The idea that parents urge their kids toward hormones and surgery is ridiculous. No parent enters a doctor’s office thrilled that their child is transgender.
They know this brings a lifetime of challenges and possible discrimination. Parents of transgender youth generally seek help for their child who is having a tough time. They are not asking for unnecessary medical treatments. Transgender teen therapy mainly focuses on social transition and mental health support. In some cases, it includes closely monitored hormone therapy after a careful evaluation. The goal is to help young people during a tough and vulnerable time in their lives.
Gender-affirming healthcare is evidence-based, patient-centered, and recognized as essential by leading medical authorities. It is not “mutilation,” but a compassionate response to real medical need.
Debunking the Myth: Gender-Affirming Care Is Experimental, Forced, or Inherently Abusive
Medical Consensus and Standards
Gender-affirming care is not experimental. The WPATH Standards of Care, now in their eighth edition, are the product of decades of research and clinical expertise. These standards are backed by key professional groups. This includes the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychiatric Association. The field has moved from a patchwork of approaches to a more standardized, evidence-based practice as research has grown. The hormones used in gender-affirming care are the same as those for other medical issues. Healthcare providers often prescribe them to:
perimenopausal women
middle-aged men with low testosterone
people with endocrine disorders, like Klinefelter syndrome.
These drugs aren’t new or experimental. They have been safely used in medical practice for decades with various patient populations. The application of these established medications in transgender healthcare is a valid use.
Is Care Ever Forced?
The idea that children or adults are “forced” into transition is not borne out by research or clinical practice. But, the gold standard is a gender-affirmative approach. It prioritizes the individual's experience and readiness. Transition, whether social or medical, happens when a person is ready. It comes after careful exploration and transgender counseling. For minors, parents play a key role in decisions. Transgender teen therapy and multidisciplinary teams help guide this process. Reversible options, like puberty blockers, allow for more time to explore.
Is It Abusive?
Experts agree that denying or delaying necessary care is abusive. Trying to “fix” or hide a child’s gender identity, known as “reparative therapy,” can lead to major problems. These include depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. In contrast, affirmation and support lead to resilience and psychological health.
Gender-affirming care is not experimental, forced, or abusive. It is a well-established, evidence-based practice that saves lives and improves well-being.
What About Transition Regret?
How Common Is Regret?
The fear of “regret” after transition is often exaggerated in public debate. In reality, regret rates are very low. WPATH and HRC indicate that “transgender adolescents and adults seldom regret their transition. Social and medical changes in this process greatly boost their well-being.” Regret often stems from external issues, such as discrimination or a lack of support, instead of the transition itself.
"Transgender youth and adults usually don’t regret their transition. Social and medical changes greatly enhance their well-being."
A 2022 statement from WPATH and USPATH says that “transition reversal is rare, especially when it’s not due to outside issues like discrimination or family rejection.” We must consider the risk of regret alongside the serious dangers of waiting for treatment. These dangers include ongoing distress and a higher chance of self-harm or suicide.
Why Do Regret Narratives Persist?
Media and political debates often amplify regret stories. They do this without context or noting how rare these stories are. This can mislead the public and policymakers, fueling stigma and harmful legislation. Major medical groups, like the American Medical Association and the Endocrine Society, state that policies and reports about gender-affirming care should be based on strong evidence and realistic estimates. They caution against using just isolated anecdotes 1. Research shows that regret after gender-affirming surgeries is very low. In large, long-term studies, it's less than 1% 2.
Accepting trans identity is important. It helps challenge power hierarchies and misogyny that impact us all. Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) and the Trans Journalists Association emphasize the need for careful and precise coverage. They say that recognizing trans identities fosters equality and helps society move forward 34. Reporting and policy-making must show the real lives of trans people. They should fight stigma and help create a fairer society for everyone.
Affirmation, Not Regret
Research and clinical experience make it clear: transgender identities are valid. Gender-affirming care, such as transgender teen therapy, is essential and works well. Regret is also rare. Denying or delaying care causes harm, while affirmation and support lead to thriving, healthy individuals.
When we ask, “Won’t they regret it?” We must also ask: What is the cost of not listening, not affirming, and not providing care? The evidence shows that affirmation saves lives, while myths and misinformation only cause harm.
Ready to Choose Affirmation Over Fear with Transgender Teen Therapy in Paoli, PA?
When fear and misinformation are loud, it takes courage to listen to what your child is truly telling you—and to seek support that honors who they are. At Arrive Therapy, we offer transgender teen therapy in Paoli & throughout Pennsylvania that’s grounded in evidence, compassion, and lived experience.
We know the idea of transition can feel overwhelming. But therapy isn’t about rushing decisions—it’s about creating space for your teen to explore, grow, and feel seen. And it’s about supporting you, too, as you navigate the questions, hopes, and concerns that come with parenting a transgender child in today’s world. You don’t have to walk this road alone. Here’s how to get started:
Reach out for a free consultation
Meet with an LGBTQ-identified, trans-friendly therapist who understands
Begin a journey grounded in affirmation, trust, and healing
Explore More Therapy Services at Arrive Therapy
Every person’s path to healing and self-understanding is different—and you don’t have to navigate yours alone. At Arrive Therapy, we offer a range of services designed to meet you and your loved ones with care, clarity, and respect. Whether you're seeking transgender teen therapy, gender therapy, counseling for gay men, LGBTQIA+ support groups, teen gender therapy, general mental health care, or assistance with surgery letters, our team is here to support you.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in listening. We believe in honoring lived experience. And we believe that affirming, expert care can be life-changing. No matter where you are in your journey—or what questions you're still carrying—we’re here to walk alongside you with compassion and expertise.
References:
https://wpath.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SOC8-Full-Contributor-List-FINAL-UPDATED-09232021.pdf
https://assets2.hrc.org/files/documents/SupportingCaringforTransChildren.pdf
https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/HRC_ACAF_Responding_to_LGBTQ_Misconceptions.pdf
https://dailycaller.com/2022/10/19/beyond-wpath-declaration-transgender-health/
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