Detransition

Detransition is the cessation or reversal of a transgender identification or of gender transition, temporarily or permanently, through social, legal, and/or medical means. The term is distinct from the concept of 'regret', and the decision may be based on a shift in gender identity, or other reasons, such as health concerns, social pressure, or discrimination and stigma.

Some studies use the term retransition rather than detransition. Retransition is also commonly used to describe the resumption of transition or transgender identity following a detransition.

Estimates of the rate at which detransitioning occurs vary, as do definitions of the term and methodology for measuring the phenomenon. A 2018 review on the outcomes of gender transition found a large majority of data showing positive outcomes, a few reports of neutral outcomes or null results, and no studies which reported that gender transition causes overall harm. Although some studies cite a range up to 8%, this combines 3% of survey respondents who had de-transitioned at the time of the survey, along with 5% who had temporarily done so in the past. Different methodological limitations afflict studies reporting low and high incidence.

Formal studies of detransition have been few in number, politically controversial, and inconsistent in the way they characterize the phenomenon. Professional interest in the phenomenon has been met with contention, and some scholars have argued there is censorship around the topic. Some ex-detransitioners regret detransitioning and choose to retransition later. Some organizations with ties to conversion therapy have used detransition narratives to push transphobic rhetoric and legislation.