Health Care Tips for Transgender (T) People
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Transgender people are a diverse group, including people who occasionally or regularly cross-dress, people who feel a strong identification with the other gender; and people who change their bodies to look and feel more like the other sex.
Find a health care provider who is knowledgeable and makes you feel comfortable?
- Most primary health care providers do not have the training in basic transgender healthcare so it is important to find a provider who is knowledgeable in the specific medical care transgender persons need especially if taking hormone therapy.
- Check out with a friend or your LGBT student group and see if they would refer you to staff members who are known to be "friendly". Such staff members may not be highly knowledgeable about trans issues but they can maintain an open mind, be comfortable around such students, and able to and LISTEN to what the students' health concerns are, understanding that when dealing with trans-specific areas the students may actually be more knowledgeable than they are.
Get screened for breast, cervical or prostate cancer
- Because not all natal sexual organs may have been surgically removed in transsexual individuals, there may be screening exams which need to be performed.
- Pap tests for post-operative female to male (FTM) should occur on a regular basis unless you have had a complete hysterectomy
- Regular breast exams need to be done on FTM individuals because all the breast tissue has generally not been removed after chest reconstruction
- Regular prostate exams for the post-operative male to female (MTF) should also occur on a regular basis.
- Transgender individuals receiving hormone therapy should be monitored carefully by knowledgeable providers.
Practice safer sex
- The most effective way for anyone to prevent getting an STI is abstinence
- If you choose to be sexually active, use safer sex practices
- Communicate with your partner
- Discuss getting tested for STI’s, and former risks taken
Use safer sex supplies:
- use latex or polyurethane condoms
- keep condoms and supplies around so you have them available at any time
- use water based lubricants to reduce friction, increase comfort and reduce risk of breakage
- use finger cots, a latex glove and water based lubrication for finger or hand penetration
- use a latex dam, saran wrap or cut a latex condom to make a dam for oral sex or rimming (anal stimulation with the mouth or tongue)
Get Tested For STI’s
- Most people with an STI have no symptoms
- The best way to know if you have an STI is to get tested
