Female-to-male (FTM) transgender gynecological and sexual health

BACKGROUND: The unique health care needs of the transgender population have thus far not been prioritized by health care providers or researchers, and there has been little if any research on the gynecological and sexual health care experiences of female-to-male (FTM) transgender individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated participants' experiences with and attitudes about sexual health care; perceived susceptibility to, perceived severity of, and prevalence of sexual health conditions; perceived barriers to obtaining sexual health services; and gynecological and sexual health care utilization. METHODS: Individuals were recruited to take an anonymous web-based survey. 210 FTM individuals living in the U.S. completed the survey and were included in this analysis. RESULTS: While participants recognize the importance of sexual health exams for the FTM population as a whole, a significant barrier to care is fear of or previous experience with discrimination from health care providers. Participants reported feeling at risk for many sexual health conditions; 12.9% reported diagnoses of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which has been associated with testosterone hormone therapy in FTMs. CONCLUSIONS: The study generated much-needed information that will help public health practitioners design accurate and culturally-competent health messages for the FTM population. The results of this study should also be used to educate health care providers about the importance of serving FTM clients with respect and sensitivity. More research is needed in order to increase the knowledge base of health care providers and FTMs regarding appropriate and necessary sexual health care for this population.