In a shocking and tragic case, a 20-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district landed in hospital after attempting a sex change surgery on himself. The youth, who had moved to Prayagraj to prepare for competitive exams, allegedly used a surgical blade to cut off his genitals after receiving misguided advice from a local doctor he contacted online, police and hospital authorities confirmed.
The man was rushed to Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital in Prayagraj on Friday after he began bleeding profusely. Doctors said his condition was critical when admitted but he is now out of danger.
Dr Santosh from SRN Hospital told reporters that the youth had attempted the procedure in his rented accommodation after administering anaesthesia on himself.
“He lost a lot of blood but is now out of danger. He is undergoing proper treatment,” Dr Santosh said. The doctor added that the youth confessed to feeling like a girl trapped in a male body, which led him to attempt the dangerous surgery.
Speaking to doctors, the youth revealed he first felt different at the age of 14 while dancing with girls at a family function. “I thought I was one of them, though I looked like a boy,” he reportedly said.
He explained that during his college years in Prayagraj, he began watching videos online and even reached out to a local doctor who encouraged him to pursue a sex change operation. Without medical supervision or family knowledge, he decided to perform the surgery on his own.
“I did not feel much pain when the anaesthesia was effective. However, as its effect wore off, the pain became unbearable and the bleeding worsened. I then sought help from people, who brought me to the hospital,” the youth recalled.
The man’s mother, who rushed to the hospital upon hearing of the incident, broke down in tears. “He was my only son. We are not well-educated, but the doctor should have told us. I sent him to Prayagraj hoping he would become an IAS officer. I never knew he felt this way,” she said, as quoted by BhaskarEnglish.
The disturbing case has raised serious concerns about unregulated medical advice available online and the vulnerability of young individuals who struggle with gender identity without proper counselling or access to safe medical care.
Police have not yet confirmed whether action will be taken against the “local doctor” who allegedly encouraged the youth. Authorities are also investigating how the youth obtained anaesthesia and surgical tools.
