More than 5,000 people underwent gender reassignment surgery in the Czech Republic

A Czech television station reported on Monday that more than 5,000 people have undergone a sex change in the Czech Republic. Due to the influence of social media and education, the number of Czech teenagers dealing with sexual identity issues has increased in recent years.

Czech law has allowed gender reassignment since 2012. At first there were fewer than 50 applications a year, but last year the number reached almost 200, Czech TV said.

Requests for gender reassignment are handled by a special committee of the Ministry of Health. It used to be held four times a year, but now it is held once a month.

As interest grew, so did waiting times for treatment.