So-called “gender-affirming” surgeries significantly increase the rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse compared to gender-dysphoric people without surgeries, according to a new study published last week in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

“Those undergoing surgery were at significantly higher risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders than those without surgery,” says the study.

Researchers examined records of 107,583 adults suffering from gender dysphoria and found that, contrary to the claims of pro-gender ideology advocates, surgeries meant to make patients physically appear like the opposite gender dramatically increased the risk of negative psychological outcomes.

Just over a quarter (25.4 percent) of males who underwent transgender surgeries were found to be afflicted by depression, compared to less than half that figure, 11.5 percent, of gender-dysphoric males who didn’t have surgeries.

Females showed a similar gap, with 22.9 percent those undergoing surgeries experiencing depression compared with 14.6 percent among those without surgery.

The study found that males who underwent surgery to appear more like women were particularly at risk of becoming drug abusers.

Interestingly, the study did not conclude that transgender surgeries should not be performed, but instead asserted that the solution was to provide mental health care post-operation.

“Gender-affirming surgery, while beneficial in affirming gender identity, is associated with increased risk of mental health issues, underscoring the need for ongoing, gender-sensitive mental health support for transgender individuals’ post-surgery,” said the study.

Surgeries typically considered “gender-affirming care” include mastectomies—breast removal, phalloplasty—the construction of a false penis using graft tissue from another body part, and vaginoplasty—the surgical removal of a penis and the creation of an opening made to simulate female genitals.

The study did not consider the effects of transgender surgeries on minors.

Proponents of gender ideology often argue that transgender surgeries are medically necessary because the gender dysphoric patient could commit suicide if the surgeries are not performed. This study, and others, suggest that the opposite is true and that these surgeries actually significantly increase the risk of suicide.

Another recent study from the University of Texas found that “individuals who underwent gender-affirming surgery had a 12.12-fold higher suicide attempt risk than those who did not.”