melbourne's clinic

Melbourne's clinic

Kennedy, T (2008). Melbourne's Clinic, In C. Andrews (ed.), Transitioning female-to-male in Australia, (p134-226). Australia: Lulu press.

Melbourne has the only Gender Dysphoria Clinic in Australia. We work under the umbrella of the Monash Medical Centre.

Why are we here? and What are our aims?

Some believe that we act as “gatekeepers” and that our mission is to prevent people achieving Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS).

This is not true.

On average 80 patients per year are referred to us, 30% F to M, usually by their general practitioners. Some come of their own initiative. In addition to the referral letter we ask that everyone provides two photographs and an account of how gender issues have impacted on their lives. Recently, the number of F-Ms has rise by about 50%.

Only about 25% F-M come to surgery. This is probably a good thing. There are many reasons for this and among the most frequent are:

Some change their minds after talking with the team;

Lack of family support;

Lack of partner support;

Awareness that the goals you aim to achieve can be realised without the pain and problems of transition.

Make no mistake, transition is difficult: physically, psychologically and socially. Of course, it is worthwhile if you are sure that it is right for you. This is where the Real Life Test is the single most important tool of assessment.

After 12-18 months of living in the gender to which you seek reassignment, you yourself know if it is right for you.

Hormone therapy can start after three months assessment by two psychiatrists. Although difficult, most of the hormone effects can be reversed if you change your mind. In our clinic, surgery for the F to M reassignment is at present limited to mastectomy, hysterectomy and metoidioplasty.

Phalloplasty is not currently undertaken due to a high complication rate and rather indifferent results. Decisions regarding transition need to take into account that some of your life as a male will be somewhat compromised by this.

All in all, transition is the biggest decision of your life. If it is what you really want we will help. On the other hand, if there are doubts, we will explore the alternatives with you and support your decisions.

For a more detailed outline of the Melbourne clinic’s requirements.

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