Gynecologic Care of Transgender Men

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Gynecologic Care of Transgender Men - Testo Tune-Up & Terms

  • Transgender Man (TM): Individual assigned female at birth (AFAB) who identifies as a man.
  • Testosterone (T) Impact: Key effects on gynecologic structures:
    • Uterus:
      • Amenorrhea: Common (usually within 6 months); breakthrough bleeding (BTB) warrants investigation.
      • Endometrium: Variable findings (atrophy, weakly proliferative, or rarely, hyperplasia).
    • Vagina & Cervix:
      • Vaginal atrophy: Symptoms include dryness, dyspareunia. Topical estrogen may be used if symptomatic.
      • Cervix: Squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) may regress. Pap smear screening still needed per standard guidelines.
    • Ovaries: Often show anovulation and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)-like appearance.
    • Other common effects: Clitoromegaly, voice deepening, increased libido.

⭐ Despite amenorrhea, ovulation can persist in TM on testosterone; counsel on contraception if pregnancy is possible and not desired.

Gynecologic Care of Transgender Men - Pap, Pectorals & Pelvis Patrol

📌 PPP Care: Pap, Pectorals, Pelvis.

  • Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear):
    • If cervix present: Screen per cisgender guidelines (age 21+).
    • Testosterone → vaginal atrophy, potentially painful smear; consider topical estrogen pre-smear or narrower speculum.
    • HPV testing crucial.
  • Chest/Pectoral Health:
    • Residual breast tissue post-mastectomy or with chest reconstruction: Still at risk for cancer.
    • Mammography/imaging for lumps. Encourage self-exam.
  • Pelvic Health:
    • Uterus/Ovaries present: Monitor for pain, abnormal bleeding. Endometrial biopsy if indicated.
    • Testosterone may cause endometrial atrophy or PCOS-like ovarian changes.
    • Contraception if risk of pregnancy.

⭐ Testosterone therapy does not eliminate the risk of gynecologic cancers (e.g., endometrial, ovarian) if relevant organs are present.

Gynecologic Care of Transgender Men - Gyn Glitches & Fixes

  • Breakthrough Bleeding (BTB):
    • Causes: Suboptimal T, endometrial changes (atrophy/hyperplasia).
    • Eval: hCG, TVUS. Endometrial biopsy if persistent/risks.
    • Rx: Optimize T, progestins, consider hysterectomy.
    • Algorithm for BTB:
  • Pelvic Pain:
    • Vaginal atrophy (↓E₂ from T): common cause of pain/dyspareunia. Rx: Topical estrogen.
    • Endometriosis: T may ↓symptoms.
  • Cervical Cancer Screening:
    • Cervix present? Routine Pap smears. T may cause benign atrophic atypia.
  • Contraception:
    • Testosterone NOT reliable contraception. Counsel if risk of pregnancy.

⭐ Long-term testosterone in trans men: endometrial cancer risk not definitively increased, but surveillance (e.g., USG, biopsy for AUB) vital if uterus present, esp. with obesity/PCOS history.

Gynecologic Care of Transgender Men - Affirming Anatomy Atlas

  • Gender-Affirming Surgeries (GAS): Impact future gynecologic needs.
    • Hysterectomy & Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO):
      • Eliminates risks of uterine/ovarian cancer.
      • Stops menses; induces surgical menopause (if pre-menopausal).
      • Requires lifelong testosterone therapy for hormonal balance.
    • Vaginectomy (Colpectomy/Colpocleisis):
      • Removal/closure of the vagina.
      • Eliminates need for vaginal Pap smears (if cervix removed).
      • Potential complications: fistula, urinary issues.
    • Metoidioplasty:
      • Clitoral release and lengthening, often with urethroplasty.
      • Creates a small phallus.
    • Phalloplasty:
      • Creation of a larger phallus using flaps (e.g., radial forearm, ALT).
      • Often includes urethroplasty, scrotoplasty, testicular implants.
  • Post-Surgical Considerations:
    • Residual ovarian tissue: rare, can cause pain/bleeding; monitor if symptoms.
    • Neovaginal issues (if applicable, though less common in TGM vs TGW).

⭐ After hysterectomy with BSO, transgender men on testosterone therapy generally do not require estrogen supplementation, as testosterone can be aromatized to estradiol, maintaining bone density and urogenital health to some extent. However, individual needs vary, and monitoring is key.

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

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Practice Questions: Gynecologic Care of Transgender Men

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Which of the following screening methods is NOT effective for early detection of cancer in asymptomatic women?

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Flashcards: Gynecologic Care of Transgender Men

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Surgical mx. for an unruptured ectopic is done with a _____ when the family is incomplete and the patient desires to retain fertility, or the contralateral tube is abnormal

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Surgical mx. for an unruptured ectopic is done with a _____ when the family is incomplete and the patient desires to retain fertility, or the contralateral tube is abnormal

salpingostomy

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