What Does It Mean to Be an “SRS Candidate”?
The term SRS candidate refers to someone who may be physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to undergo Sex Reassignment Surgery (also called Gender Affirming Surgery or GRS). It’s not just about anatomy — it’s about timing, support, and feeling prepared.
Every patient’s journey is unique. Some know from a young age that surgery is part of their path. Others discover it later, after exploring transition socially or hormonally. Whatever stage you’re at, understanding what makes someone a good SRS candidate is an important part of planning your next steps.
The Basic Requirements (And Why They Matter)
Most trusted surgical teams — including ours — follow international guidelines based on WPATH standards. These aren’t meant to gatekeep. They’re designed to keep you safe, respected, and set up for long-term success.
✅ Stable Gender Identity
You have a consistent and well-established female gender identity. This doesn’t mean you need to “prove” anything — just that you’ve taken time to explore who you are and feel confident that surgery aligns with your truth.
To meet international safety and ethical standards (such as WPATH), most SRS patients are required to provide two independent letters from licensed mental health professionals:
- One from a psychiatrist or psychologist in your home country
- One from a Thai psychiatrist, which we can arrange for you onsite at APS
These evaluations are not designed to challenge your identity — they’re here to ensure you’re emotionally ready, well-informed, and supported through the process.
✅ Realistic Expectations
You’re aware of what SRS can and can’t do. It can give you a body that aligns more closely with your identity, improve sexual function and confidence, and bring deep emotional relief — but it’s not a “quick fix” for dysphoria or mental health.
✅ General Health Readiness
You’re in reasonably good physical health. Conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or unmanaged mental health issues don’t automatically disqualify you — but they may need extra preparation or adjustments.
✅ Non-Smoking or Smoking Cessation
Smoking severely affects wound healing and surgical safety. All patients are required to stop smoking at least 4–6 weeksbefore and after surgery.
✅ Support System or Self-Sufficiency
You don’t need to have a big family cheering you on — but having someone to talk to, or the ability to manage solo recovery with our nursing support, is key.
Emotional Readiness: The Quiet Factor Nobody Talks About
Beyond checklists, a huge part of being an SRS candidate is feeling emotionally ready. This might look like:
- Being excited and nervous at the same time
- Feeling “done” with waiting and wanting your body to match your identity
- Wanting to feel whole, even if no one sees it but you
- Accepting that healing takes time, and you’re ready to commit
Many of our patients say: “I just knew it was time.”
That instinct is often more powerful than any checklist.
What If I’m Still Not Sure?
That’s completely okay. Exploring surgery doesn’t mean you have to go through with it. Asking questions, researching, and even doing a consultation are all parts of figuring out what’s right for you.
Some patients:
- Want to wait until their HRT has stabilized
- Need more time emotionally or financially
- Aren’t sure if they want depth or zero-depth
- Just want to talk to someone who gets it
Whatever the case, we’re here to support you without pressure.
Trust Yourself, You’re Closer Than You Think
Being a “good candidate” for SRS isn’t about passing a test. It’s about feeling seen, being safe, and knowing you’re ready to take the next step in your journey — whatever that may look like for you.
If you’re reading this and nodding along, you might be more ready than you think:)
Talk to our team about your SRS options and recovery process!
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Considering your transition journey abroad? Discover why international patients choose APS Gender Care as their trusted partner in SRS. We specialize in all three techniques—skin graft, PPV, and colon vaginoplasty—helping patients achieve results that align with their needs.