Thai transwoman seeks justice after surgery leaves vagina bleeding

A Thai transwoman is seeking justice after gender affirmation surgery left her vagina bleeding and defecating. She also received no explanation from the doctor despite suffering from the disability for more than seven months.

The transgender victim, Anirut, reached out to non-profit organisation Saimai Survive for assistance in seeking justice after pain from the surgery failure almost led her to commit suicide.

Anirut explained that she underwent gender affirmation surgery on October 10 of last year. Seventeen days later, a dilation procedure was performed by inserting a medical dilator into her vagina to prevent closure.

This dilation was repeated three times over three days. The first procedure was performed by the doctor and the subsequent two by a nurse.

The problem arose when she returned home post-dilation and noticed significant vaginal bleeding. Opting to revisit the clinic, the doctor administered additional treatment without explanation.

Allegedly, the doctor inserted scissors into her vagina for a procedure and advised her to remain hospitalised for three days. During her time at the clinic, she was deprived of food and drink. However, her condition failed to improve, necessitating further treatment.

Anirut endured a 17-day hospital stay before requesting discharge due to her distress. She revealed her struggle to endure the clinic’s conditions, resulting in a drastic weight loss to just 49 kilogrammes.

Live with suffering

The doctor allowed her to leave the hospital and told her to wait until the size of her vagina increased, and the doctor would perform another procedure on her.

Anirut said she suffered over seven months of enduring agony. She grappled with daily vaginal bleeding and bowel issues, necessitating the use of diapers and prompting her boyfriend to resign from his job to provide care.

Uncertain about the timeframe for her next surgery, Anirut’s plight led her to contemplate suicide multiple times.

Attempts to seek alternative treatment were thwarted by prohibitively high costs. Medical professionals from other clinics suspected that the initial surgery had impacted her intestines.

Anirut stressed her reluctance to pursue legal action against the doctor and clinic. Instead, she urged the doctor to acknowledge responsibility for her treatment and associated expenses.

Anirut added that she was worried that the wounds in her intestine would develop into cancer. She urged the doctor to be honest with her or transfer her to another medical centre if unable to provide proper care.

The founder of Saimai Survive, Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, reported that he would submit the matter to the Ministry of Public Health to investigate the accuracy of the surgical procedures. He would also be a medium facilitating discussion between Anirut and the doctor regarding further treatment.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.