Gender-affirming care is a term that covers an array of health care services and other interventions aimed at supporting and affirming an individual’s gender identity when it does not align with the gender they were assigned based upon their apparent sex at birth. This can include social, behavioral, medical, and psychological options.
Social Affirmation
One type of gender-affirming care is social affirmation. This can be achieved at any time when an individual adopts a gender-affirming name, pronouns, hairstyle, clothing, restrooms, and/or other facilities.
Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) involves testosterone hormones for individuals who wish to develop what are traditionally considered to be “masculine” characteristics and estrogen hormones for those who wish to develop “feminine” characteristics.
GAHT promotes the development of secondary sex characteristics in the body. For people taking testosterone, this includes the development of a deeper voice, the redistribution of body fat away from the hips and thighs, increased body and facial hair, increased muscle mass, and changes to (or the possible cessation of) menstruation. On the other hand, for people taking estrogen and testosterone blockers, this includes the redistribution of body fat to the hips and thighs, breast growth, decreased muscle mass, and the slowing of body and facial hair growth.
Gender-Affirming Surgery
Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) refers to surgical procedures aimed at helping people transition their anatomic parts to match their gender identity. There are several types of GAS including chest or “top” surgery, genital or “bottom” surgery, and facial reconstructive surgery.
Chest GAS involves removing breast tissue for a more masculine look or enhancing the breast size for a more feminine look.
Genital/reproductive system GAS can refer to a variety of different surgeries. For transfeminine individuals, options include bilateral orchiectomy (the removal of both testicles) and vaginoplasty (the surgical creation of a vulva with or without a vaginal cavity). Options for transmasculine individuals include hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus and cervix), salpingo-oophorectomy (the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries), metoidioplasty (the creation of a penis through the enlargement of the clitoris and the use of surrounding tissue), and phalloplasty (the creation of a penis through the use of tissue from other parts of the body).
Facial reconstructive surgery can involve any surgery to change aspects of one’s head and neck to create more feminine or masculine features.
Psychological Counseling or Therapy
Psychological counseling with a professional who has experience working with transgender and gender diverse patients may be a helpful way to cope with challenges that may be experienced during transition or one’s day to day life. Some challenges may include discrimination, the financial burden of gender-affirming care, difficulties finding quality gender-affirming care and insurance coverage, unsupportive family members or friends, and so on. The following are a few resources for finding psychological support:
For more information on this topic, please read these publications from the ISSM Journals: The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine Reviews, and Sexual Medicine Open Access:
Development of a Decision Aid for Genital Gender-Affirming Surgery in Transmen
Evaluation and Treatment of Gender Dysphoria to Prepare for Gender Confirmation Surgery
A Simple Guide for Simple Orchiectomy in Transition-Related Surgeries
References:
Hadj-Moussa, M., Ohl, D.A., & Kuzon Jr, W.M. (2018). Evaluation and treatment of gender dysphoria to prepare for gender confirmation surgery. Sexual medicine reviews, 6(4), 607-617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.03.006
Office of Population Affairs. (2022). Gender-Affirming Care and Young People. https://opa.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/gender-affirming-care-young-people-march-2022.pdf
Siira, M., Getahun, D., Silverberg, M.J., Tangpricha, V., Goodman, M., & Yeung, H. (2023). Satisfaction with current hormone therapy and goals of additional gender-affirming care in transgender adults. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(4), 568-572. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad011
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
