As diversity among OB/GYN patients grows, clinicians can position themselves as inclusive healthcare providers that welcome caring for transgender patients.
As more people identify as non-binary and transgender, gynecologists should expect to encounter trans patients in their practice. Caring for transgender patients may include hormone therapy, screening for reproductive organs and breast cancers, and providing care after gender affirmation surgery. This list of FAQs touches on topics that may arise when providing care for transgender patients.
- How does treating transgender adolescents differ from treating transgender adults? While treating transgender adolescents is similar to treating trans adults, there are key differences. For example, professional guidelines do not recommend gender affirming surgery in patients younger than 18. This patient group may take puberty blockers, which can affect bone density, resulting in the need for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans as part of their care. In this article, learn about these and other considerations for treating adolescent transgender patients.
- What purpose does hormone replacement therapy serve for transgender patients? As the number of openly transgender or non-binary people increases, it becomes more likely that gynecologists will encounter questions about feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy. Understanding why transgender patients may need hormone therapy will help OB/GYN physicians field patient questions and create treatment plans. This article describes the purpose of hormone replacement therapy for trans women and trans men.
- What are the cervical cancer screening recommendations for transgender patients? Transgender men carry a similar risk for cervical cancer as cisgender women, yet fewer than half of gynecologists say they are familiar with screening recommendations for this group. That can increase the risks among transgender patients and and lead to uneven care. Learn more about cervical cancer risks in trans men and how to provide gender-affirming screening and preventive services.
- What are best practices for evaluating transgender men for endometrial cancer? Some evidence suggests the need to continue screening for certain conditions, such as endometrial cancer, in populations of trans men that retain a uterus and ovaries. When providing this screening, physicians should consider which tools to use to prevent trauma and gender dysphoria. They should also communicate clearly with patients about what to expect and offer support and reassurance during an exam to reduce patient anxiety. Read this article to learn more about how to address endometrial cancer and provide more inclusive healthcare to trans men.
- Are there special considerations for reproductive and breast cancer screenings for transgender patients? OB/GYNs often educate cisgender female patients about the importance of regular screening for breast and reproductive cancers. These physicians should provide similar education for their transgender patients. This includes trans men who retain ovaries and a uterus, as well as trans women who may be at higher risk of breast cancer due to hormone treatments. Learn more about the specific cancer screening concerns and health risks for transgender patients.
- How should clinicians care for transfeminine patients after gender affirmation surgery? When asked, more than half of trans women reported wanting surgical gender affirmation procedures, such as breast augmentation, vaginoplasty, or labiaplasty, as part of their physical transition. Gynecologists should expect to eventually encounter trans women who have had these surgeries. In this article, learn specific ways an OB/GYN practice can support trans women after gender affirmation surgery.
All patients should feel comfortable and respected by their OB/GYN practice and its staff and physicians. Providing inclusive healthcare when caring for transgender patients includes staying informed about the specific needs of this patient group. That informed outlook opens the door to greater access to preventive care and to trusted and open communications between care providers and patients about important healthcare concerns.
