Abstract
INTRODUCTION:Transgender men who have female reproductive organs and genitalia are in particular need of gynecologic care. OB-GYNs report a lack of training and knowledge in transgender health. In a national survey, only 29% were comfortable caring for transgender men. Additionally, transgender men report barriers to health care including negative interactions with physicians. This study was undertaken to assess transgender men’s experiences with, ability to access, and understanding of gynecologic care.
METHODS:IRB approval was obtained to create and distribute an anonymous web-based and paper survey to a convenience sample of transgender men. Responses are presented as categorical data.
RESULTS:Thirty-seven transgender men completed the survey. The mean age of respondents was 28.8 years old (18-59). Twenty-nine (78%) were insured. Most have been to a gynecologist at least once (81%), but only 38% (14/37) attended annual visits. Seven (23%) reported mistreatment by a gynecologist, and 59% (22/37) reported avoiding or delaying gynecologic care due to gender identity concerns. Seventeen (46%) recognized sexually transmitted infection testing as extremely important, but only 38% considered annual gynecologic care extremely important, while 27% and 19% considered routine cancer screening and the pelvic examination as extremely important, respectively.
CONCLUSION:While nearly half of transgender men consider screening for sexually transmitted infections as extremely important, only 38% would go annually for evaluation. This disparity may further support claims of mistreatment and consequential distress associated with medical care. Efforts are needed to improve care for transgender men through education and elimination of mistreatment.
