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Leonhardt A, Fuchs M, Gander M, Sevecke K. Gender dysphoria in adolescence: examining the rapid-onset hypothesis. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2024:10.1007/s40211-024-00500-8. [PMID: 38951367 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-024-00500-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The sharp rise in the number of predominantly natal female adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria and seeking treatment in specialized clinics has sparked a contentious and polarized debate among both the scientific community and the public sphere. Few explanations have been offered for these recent developments. One proposal that has generated considerable attention is the notion of "rapid-onset" gender dysphoria, which is assumed to apply to a subset of adolescents and young adults. First introduced by Lisa Littman in a 2018 study of parental reports, it describes a subset of youth, primarily natal females, with no childhood indicators of gender dysphoria but with a sudden emergence of gender dysphoria symptoms during puberty or after its completion. For them, identifying as transgender is assumed to serve as a maladaptive coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues and is linked to social influences from peer groups and through social media. The purpose of this article is to analyze this theory and its associated hypotheses against the existing evidence base and to discuss its potential implications for future research and the advancement of treatment paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Leonhardt
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Martin Fuchs
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuela Gander
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Universitätsstraße 15, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kathrin Sevecke
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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2
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Gelly MA, Atgé-Delbays S, Gravel É, Sansfaçon AP. Gender-Related Medical Experiences of Youth Who Have Detranstioned. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38833642 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2362268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
People whose gender does not align with their sex assigned at birth can undergo a medical transition process, so their body reflects their gender. However, some people interrupt this process temporarily or permanently, which is often referred to as "detransition." Media coverage of detrans experiences tend to attribute this phenomenon to a lack of medical gatekeeping. However, research has shown detransitions are highly unpredictable. The aim of this article is to examine the medical experiences of youth who have detransitioned during various stages of the process from transition to today. Twenty-five interviews with 15-25-year-old youth who detransitioned were conducted. Thematic analysis led to the development of six themes: facing gatekeeping and invalidation during transition, accessing trans care, lacking adequate support during transition, finding support in detransition, lacking support in detransition, leaving the medical system. Our results question the usefulness of gatekeeping to prevent detransition and shows that it tends to erode the trust relationship between youth and practitioners and stifle gender exploration. Validation, support, information giving as well as exploration without constrain, or expectation of outcome seems to be a more helpful way forward to work with gender diverse youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Élio Gravel
- School of Social Work, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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3
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Gould WA, MacKinnon KR, Lam JSH, Enxuga G, Abramovich A, Ross LE. Detransition Narratives Trouble the Simple Attribution of Madness in Transantagonistic Contexts: A Qualitative Analysis of 16 Canadians' Experiences. Cult Med Psychiatry 2024; 48:247-270. [PMID: 37737532 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-023-09838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that transgender individuals are more likely than cisgender peers to receive a diagnosis with a primary mental disorder. Attributions of madness, though, may serve the social function of dismissing and discrediting transgender individual's self-perceptions. The narratives of individuals who stop or reverse an initial gender transition who also identify as living with mental health conditions can sometimes amplify these socio-political discourses about transgender people. Through a critical mental health lens, this article presents a qualitative analysis of 16 individuals who stopped or reversed a gender transition and who also reported a primary mental health condition. Semi-structured, virtual interviews were conducted with people living in Canada. Applying constructivist grounded theory methodology, and following an iterative, inductive approach to analysis, we used the constant comparative method to analyse these 16 in-depth interviews. Results show rich complexity such that participants narrated madness in nuanced and complex ways while disrupting biased attitudes that madness discredited their thoughts and feelings, including prior gender dysphoria. Instead, participants incorporated madness into expanding self-awareness and narrated their thoughts and feelings as valid and worthy. Future research must consider provider's perspectives, though, in treating mad individuals who detransitioned, since alternate gender-affirming care models may better support the identification and wellness of care-seeking individuals who may be identified (in the past, present, or future) as mad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wren Ariel Gould
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of Social Work, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kinnon R MacKinnon
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- School of Social Work, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - June Sing Hong Lam
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Evaluative Clinical Sciences (ICES), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, General and Health Systems Psychiatry Division, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriel Enxuga
- School of Social Work, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Abramovich
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lori E Ross
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Health Systems & Health Equity Research Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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4
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Ren T, Galenchik-Chan A, Erlichman Z, Krajewski A. Prevalence of Regret in Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Systematic Review. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 92:597-602. [PMID: 38685500 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gender-affirmation surgeries are a rapidly growing set of procedures in the field of plastic surgery. This study is novel in that a thorough analysis has not been performed quantifying, identifying, and recognizing the reasons and factors associated with regret in a largely US population. METHODS A systematic review of several databases was conducted. After compiling the articles, we extracted study characteristics. From the data set, weighted proportions were generated and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 24 articles were included in this study, with a population size of 3662 patients. A total of 3673 procedures were conducted in the United States, 514 in European nations, 97 in Asian nations, which included only Thailand, and 19 in South American nations, which included only Brazil. The pooled prevalence of regret was 1.94%. The prevalence of transfeminine regret was 4.0% while the prevalence of transmasculine regret was 0.8%. CONCLUSIONS Both transfeminine and transmasculine patients had significantly lower rates of regret in the United States when compared with the rest of the world. Our study largely excluded facial gender-affirming surgeries as most of its articles did not fall into our inclusion search criteria. To our knowledge, this is the most recent review performed on the topic of regret among gender-affirming surgery patients with an emphasis on a US cohort. This analysis can help shed light on better ways to enhance patient selection and surgical experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ren
- From the Stony Brook University Hospital
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Cavve BS, Bickendorf X, Ball J, Saunders LA, Thomas CS, Strauss P, Chaplyn G, Marion L, Siafarikas A, Ganti U, Wiggins A, Lin A, Moore JK. Reidentification With Birth-Registered Sex in a Western Australian Pediatric Gender Clinic Cohort. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:446-453. [PMID: 38436975 PMCID: PMC10913010 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Importance Some young people who identify as transgender and seek gender-affirming medical care subsequently reidentify with their sex registered at birth. Evidence regarding the frequency and characteristics of this experience is lacking. Objective To determine the frequency of reidentification and explore associated characteristics in a pediatric gender clinic setting. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study examined all referrals to the Child and Adolescent Health Service Gender Diversity Service at Perth Children's Hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020. The Gender Diversity Service is the sole statewide specialist service in Western Australia that provides children and adolescents up to age 18 years with multidisciplinary assessment, information, support, and gender-affirming medical care. All closed referrals for this study were audited between May 1, 2021, and August 8, 2022. Exposure Reidentification with birth-registered sex. Main Outcomes and Measures The number of referrals closed due to reported reidentification with birth-registered sex was determined, as well as descriptives and frequencies of patient demographics (age, birth-registered sex), informant source, International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision gender-related diagnoses, pubertal status, any gender-affirming medical treatment received, and whether subsequent re-referrals were received. Results Of 552 closed referrals during the study period, a reason for closure could be determined for 548 patients, including 211 birth-registered males (mean [SD] age, 13.88 [2.00] years) and 337 birth-registered females (mean [SD] age, 15.81 [2.22] years). Patients who reidentified with their birth-registered sex comprised 5.3% (29 of 548; 95% CI, 3.6%-7.5%) of all referral closures. Except for 2 patients, reidentification occurred before or during early stages of assessment (93.1%; 95% CI, 77.2%-99.2%). Two patients who reidentified with their birth-registered sex did so following initiation of puberty suppression or gender-affirming hormone treatment (1.0% of 196 patients who initiated any gender-affirming medical treatment; 95% CI, 0.1%-3.6%). Conclusions and Relevance These findings from a pediatric gender clinic audit indicate that a small proportion of patients, and a very small proportion of those who initiated medical gender-affirming treatment, reidentified with their birth-registered sex during the study period. Longitudinal follow-up studies, including qualitative self-report, are required to understand different pathways of gender identity experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake S. Cavve
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Xander Bickendorf
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jack Ball
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Liz A. Saunders
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cati S. Thomas
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Penelope Strauss
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Georgia Chaplyn
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Larissa Marion
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Aris Siafarikas
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, West Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Uma Ganti
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Aaron Wiggins
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julia K. Moore
- Gender Diversity Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre and Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Mosier-Mills A, Kim HH, Keuroghlian AS. Removing Barriers and Honoring Autonomy: Rethinking Mental Health Professional Assessments in Adolescent Gender-Affirming Medical Care. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2024; 32:96-100. [PMID: 38728569 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Adolescents seeking gender-affirming medical care (GAMC) face numerous barriers that may delay or inhibit their access to these services. Such obstacles include mental health professional (MHP) assessment requirements prior to initiating GAMC. MHP letters ultimately carry little benefit for patients. Their formulaic nature discourages nuance, reduces likelihood of capturing gender embodiment goals (beyond a narrow definition of gender dysphoria), and may cause clinicians to overlook presenting mental health concerns. MHP assessment requirements also reinforce the conception of gender dysphoria as a mental health disorder. Moreover, studies have not shown that requiring MHP assessment letters effectively reduces regret among patients. Fortunately, primary clinicians who provide GAMC are most often capable of assessing patients without additional input from an MHP. In this article, we provide an ethical framework for clinicians that prioritizes patient autonomy through an informed assent approach. We discuss Appelbaum's criteria and its application, and contexts in which MHP consultation is appropriate. We also address common questions about informed assent among clinicians, patients, and families. Finally, we advocate for bolstering multidisciplinary support teams involved in GAMC to facilitate the informed assent process. This approach upholds patient autonomy, expands access to GAMC, and utilizes the mental health workforce more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Mosier-Mills
- From Harvard Medical School (Ms. Mosier-Mills and Drs. Kim and Keuroghlian), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Drs. Kim and Keuroghlian), The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA (Dr. Keuroghlian)
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7
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Sundaram V, Stark B, Jaswa E, Letourneau J, Mok-Lin E. Decision regret, and other mental health outcomes, following fertility preservation in the transgender individual compared to the cisgender woman. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1077-1085. [PMID: 38332415 PMCID: PMC11052947 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-03013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to (1) determine differences in depression, anxiety, body image, quality-of-life (QOL), and decision regret scale (DRS) scores in transgender individuals undergoing fertility preservation (FP) compared to those who decline and (2) determine if DRS score following FP varies between transgender individuals and cisgender women. METHODS Sixteen transgender birth-assigned (BA) females and 13 BA males, undergoing FP consultation at an academic center between January 2016 and November 2019, were compared to each other and cisgender cohorts with pre-existing data: 201 women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation (EOC) between 2012 and 2016 and 44 women with cancer undergoing FP between 1993 and 2007. Outcomes included demographics; validated scales for depression, anxiety, body image, QOL (see below) in the trans cohort; DRS score in all three cohorts. RESULTS Of 29 transgender individuals participating, 10 BA females (62%) and 12 BA males (92%) underwent FP. Beck Depression Inventory II, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Body Image Scale for Transsexuals, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Short Form Health Survey-36, and DRS scores were not significantly different between trans individuals who underwent FP and those who declined. On univariate modeling, regret was significantly lower in transpeople undergoing FP compared to those who did not (OR 0.118, p = 0.03). BA female and BA male transpatients undergoing FP reported DRS median scores 5 (mean 9) and 7.5 (mean 15), respectively, both were not significantly different from cisgender women (p = 0.97, p = 0.25) nor from each other (p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS Depression, anxiety, body image, and QOL, in a group of individuals presenting for FP consultation, appear similar between transpeople undergoing FP and not, while regret is significantly lower in those choosing FP. FP is an option for transgender individuals without significant differences in regret compared to cisgender women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viji Sundaram
- Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, 836 Prudential Dr, Suite 902, Jacksonville, FL, 32207, USA.
| | - Brett Stark
- University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Eleni Jaswa
- University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | - Evelyn Mok-Lin
- University of California, San Francisco, 499 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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8
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Salvetti B, Gallagher M, Schapiro NA, Daley AM. Prioritizing Gender-Affirming Care for Youth: The Role of Pediatric-Focused Clinicians. J Pediatr Health Care 2024; 38:253-259. [PMID: 38429038 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Gender-affirming care (GAC) acknowledges the right of each individual to live in the gender that is most authentic to them and to receive nonjudgmental, developmentally appropriate care. For transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, this care may include transition-related care, such as puberty blockers, gender-affirming hormones, and therapies, including surgery. All youth, including TGD youth, deserve confidential, adolescent-friendly care. However, recent legislation in many states seeks to limit access and/or ban GAC for TGD youth. This article reviews the evidence supporting GAC for adolescents, the risk of denying this care, and recommendations for advocacy from all pediatric-focused clinicians.
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9
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Mawson AR. The transgender phenomenon: needs for research. J Public Health Policy 2024; 45:179-182. [PMID: 38287088 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-023-00459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Mawson
- Chalfont Research Institute, c/o 5359 Briarfield Road, Jackson, MS, 39211, USA.
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10
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Pullen Sansfaçon A, Gravel É, Gelly M, Planchat T, Paradis A, Medico D. A retrospective analysis of the gender trajectories of youth who have discontinued a transition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2024; 25:74-89. [PMID: 38328586 PMCID: PMC10846427 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2279272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Background: Detransition is frequently covered in the media as a return to a cis identity after transition. Detransition is often studied in isolation and fails to examine it in context of various stages leading to detransition. Aim: To present the perspectives and reflections of youth who have detransitioned on their journey from early transition to discontinuation, focusing on three key dimensions: gender modalities, sexual modalities, and dysphoria experiences, and their evolution during this journey. Method: We drew from 20 in-depth interviews with young people aged 16 to 25 who have discontinued a transition and examined various stages of the gender journey from early transition to detransition. Youth narratives were analyzed thematically and longitudinally. Results: We developed three main themes related to the gender journey: nonlinear gender modalities, navigating sexual modalities along with gender modalities, and coping with dysphoria and body discomfort. We found a great diversity of experiences with regard to these within each participant and across the sample. Discussion: Transition and detransition trajectories are nonlinear and heterogeneous, without any identified commonalities that enable the prediction of outcomes after transitions. However, transnormativity may influence how people who detransition are expected to conform to a certain narrative despite the diversity of experiences present in this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Pullen Sansfaçon
- School of Social Work, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Canada Research Chair on Partnership Research and Empowerment of Vulnerable Youth, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Élio Gravel
- Canada Research Chair on Partnership Research and Empowerment of Vulnerable Youth, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Morgane Gelly
- Canada Research Chair on Partnership Research and Empowerment of Vulnerable Youth, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tommly Planchat
- Canada Research Chair on Partnership Research and Empowerment of Vulnerable Youth, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - August Paradis
- Canada Research Chair on Partnership Research and Empowerment of Vulnerable Youth, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denise Medico
- Departement of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Barbee H, Hassan B, Liang F. Postoperative Regret Among Transgender and Gender-Diverse Recipients of Gender-Affirming Surgery. JAMA Surg 2024; 159:125-126. [PMID: 38150263 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.6052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
This Viewpoint examines prevalence of and factors associated with surgical regret among transgender and gender-diverse individuals who undergo gender-affirming surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Barbee
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bashar Hassan
- Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fan Liang
- Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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12
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Villiger D. Informed Consent Under Ignorance. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38181212 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2023.2296429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, an old challenge to informed consent has been rediscovered: the challenge of ignorance. Several authors argue that due to the presence of irreducible ignorance in certain treatments, giving informed consent to these treatments is not possible. The present paper examines in what ways ignorance is believed to prevent informed consent and which treatments are affected by that. At this, it becomes clear that if the challenge of ignorance truly holds, it poses a major problem to informed consent. The paper argues, however, that from both an empirical and a theoretical point of view, it is not convincing that ignorance prevents informed consent. Still, it seems important that the presence of irreducible ignorance is openly discussed during the informed consent process.
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13
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Küenzlen L, Wallmichrath JC, Küntscher MV, Rothenberger J, Laback C, Schaefer DJ, Schaff J, Bozkurt A, Djedovic G, Langer S, Hirsch T, Rieger U. [Choice of flaps for phalloplasty: what is the contemporary standard? Consensus Statement of the German-Speaking Society for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels]. HANDCHIR MIKROCHIR P 2023; 55:427-436. [PMID: 37783212 DOI: 10.1055/a-2134-5891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ever-expanding number of transmen as well as their surgeons share an increasing interest in the construction of a neophallus. While the indication for surgery and the positive effect of a phalloplasty on the quality of life, mental health and sexual function has already been thoroughly analysed, there is a lack of data comparing and evaluating the surgical steps. During the consensus conference on the "choice of flaps for phalloplasty" at the annual meeting of the German-Speaking Society for Microsurgery of Peripheral Nerves and Vessels, the current literature was discussed and a consensus on the surgical technique of a phalloplasty was reached. This manuscript publishes jointly developed recommendations on the following topics: choice of flaps for phalloplasty, preoperative diagnostic tests before phalloplasty, urethral construction in the radial forearm flap and anterior lateral thigh flap, preformation of the urethra at the forearm or thigh, venous drainage of the radial forearm flap, innervation of the phallus, staged phalloplasty, coronaplasty and managing the donor site of a radial forearm flap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Küenzlen
- Klinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Wiederherstellungs- und Handchirurgie, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Markus V Küntscher
- Plastische Chirurgie, Privatpraxis für Plastische & Ästhetische Chirurgie, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Jens Rothenberger
- Klinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Wiederherstellungs- und Handchirurgie, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Laback
- Klinische Abteilung für plastische, ästhetische und rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Ahmet Bozkurt
- Klinik für Plastische, Ästhetische und Handchirurgie , HELIOS Universitatsklinikum Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Gabriel Djedovic
- Abteilung für Plastische, Ästhetische und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Landeskrankenhaus Feldkirch, Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Stefan Langer
- Sektion Plastische, Ästhetische und Spezielle Handchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Hirsch
- Klinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Fachklinik Hornheide eV, Munster, Germany
- Abteilung für Plastische Chirurgie, Klinik für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirugie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rieger
- Klinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Wiederherstellungs- und Handchirurgie, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Roblee C, Hamidian Jahromi A, Ferragamo B, Radix A, De Cuypere G, Green J, Dorafshar AH, Ettner R, Monstrey S, Schechter L. Gender-Affirmative Surgery: A Collaborative Approach between the Surgeon and Mental Health Professional. Plast Reconstr Surg 2023; 152:953e-961e. [PMID: 36827473 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000010326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY Gender incongruence describes a condition in which an individual's gender identity does not align with their sex assigned at birth based on anatomic characteristics. Individuals with gender incongruence may request surgical interventions, and gender-affirmation surgery plays an important role for these individuals. The basis of care derives from principles elucidated in the Standards of Care, international guidelines that help inform clinical decision-making. Historically, mental health care professionals (MHCPs) and surgeons have worked collaboratively to select "appropriate" surgical candidates. However, as understanding of gender identity evolves, so does the relationship between the MHCP and the surgeon. The role of the MHCP has shifted from a requirement to verify an individual's identity to that of supporting and participating in a shared decision-making process between the individual and the health care team. This article discusses the evolution of the relationship between the MHCP and the surgeon and provides insight into the history of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole Roblee
- From the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
| | | | | | - Asa Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health
| | | | - Jamison Green
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health
| | - Amir H Dorafshar
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center
| | | | - Stan Monstrey
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Loren Schechter
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rush University Medical Center
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15
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Laungani A, Sapin Leduc A, Potts E, Nguyen D, Beaupré H, Brassard P. [GrS Montreal: A private hospital specializing in gender-affirming surgery in Canada]. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2023; 68:419-429. [PMID: 37423828 DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Gender dysphoria refers to the suffering an individual experiences when his or her sex at birth does not correspond to the expression of his or her gender. Gender-affirmation surgery is a procedure that can alleviate this suffering. For 20 years, GrS Montreal has been Canada's only center dedicated exclusively to this type of surgery. Thanks to its expertise, quality of care, state-of-the-art infrastructure and convalescent home, GrS Montreal receives patients from all over the world. This article describes the particularities of this center and puts into perspective the evolution of this type of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Laungani
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada; Division science et Enseignement, GrS Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de chirurgie plastique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - A Sapin Leduc
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada; Division science et Enseignement, GrS Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - E Potts
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada
| | - D Nguyen
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada
| | - H Beaupré
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada
| | - P Brassard
- GrS Montréal 999, rue De Salaberry, Montréal H3L 1L2, Québec, Canada; Département de chirurgie plastique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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16
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Torres Perez-Iglesias CA, Heyman A, Koh DJ, Medina N, Roh DS, Slama J. Technical and Clinical Differences Between Transgender and Cisgender Females Undergoing Breast Augmentation. Ann Plast Surg 2023; 91:534-539. [PMID: 37823620 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-affirming surgery is a quickly expanding field. However, it is facing a shortage of specialized surgeons for a population exceeding 1.4 million individuals. Many studies comparing outcomes between cisgender and transgender patients fail to describe the technical differences of the operation. Breast augmentation in the transgender female patient involves important anatomical, technical, and clinical features that differ from the cisgender female. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare these characteristics between these 2 groups to better inform the new generation of gender-affirming surgeons. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent primary breast augmentation between 2009 and 2019 at a specialized tertiary center for transgender care was performed. Mastopexy, secondary augmentation, and reconstructive procedures were excluded. Demographic, operative, and clinical data were collected from medical records. All patients had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up after the initial surgery. Bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 250 cisgender females and 153 transgender females were included. The transgender group showed higher rates of smoking ( P < 0.0001), immunosuppression ( P < 0.0001), obesity ( P < 0.0001), mental health disorders ( P < 0.0001), and hypertension ( P = 0.002). Median base width ( P < 0.0001), sternal notch to nipple distance ( P < 0.0001), and implant size (500 mL [interquartile range, 425-600 mL] vs 350 mL [interquartile range, 325-385 mL]; P < 0.0001) were larger in transgender patients. Transgender patients also demonstrated a stronger correlation between implant size and body surface area ( r = 0.71, P < 0.0001). Readmission, reoperation, and complication rates were similar between the groups; however, transgender females had a higher incidence of surgical site infections (3.9% vs 0.4%, P < 0.013). Capsular contracture was the most common complication and indication for reoperation in both groups. CONCLUSIONS There are important anatomical, clinical, and technical differences between reconstructive gender-affirming breast augmentation in transgender female patients and cosmetic breast augmentation in the cisgender female. The gender-affirming surgeon must know these differences to provide the best quality of care and help patients achieve better congruence between their gender identity and body image.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nilton Medina
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel S Roh
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jaromir Slama
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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17
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Bruce L, Khouri AN, Bolze A, Ibarra M, Richards B, Khalatbari S, Blasdel G, Hamill JB, Hsu JJ, Wilkins EG, Morrison SD, Lane M. Long-Term Regret and Satisfaction With Decision Following Gender-Affirming Mastectomy. JAMA Surg 2023; 158:1070-1077. [PMID: 37556147 PMCID: PMC10413215 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.3352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Importance There has been increasing legislative interest in regulating gender-affirming surgery, in part due to the concern about decisional regret. The regret rate following gender-affirming surgery is thought to be approximately 1%; however, previous studies relied heavily on ad hoc instruments. Objective To evaluate long-term decisional regret and satisfaction with decision using validated instruments following gender-affirming mastectomy. Design, Setting, and Participants For this cross-sectional study, a survey of patient-reported outcomes was sent between February 1 and July 31, 2022, to patients who had undergone gender-affirming mastectomy at a US tertiary referral center between January 1, 1990, and February 29, 2020. Exposure Decisional regret and satisfaction with decision to undergo gender-affirming mastectomy. Main Outcomes and Measures Long-term patient-reported outcomes, including the Holmes-Rovner Satisfaction With Decision scale, the Decision Regret Scale, and demographic characteristics, were collected. Additional information was collected via medical record review. Descriptive statistics and univariable analysis using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were performed to compare responders and nonresponders. Results A total of 235 patients were deemed eligible for the study, and 139 responded (59.1% response rate). Median age at the time of surgery was 27.1 (IQR, 23.0-33.4) years for responders and 26.4 (IQR, 23.1-32.7) years for nonresponders. Nonresponders (n = 96) had a longer postoperative follow-up period than responders (median follow-up, 4.6 [IQR, 3.1-8.6] vs 3.6 [IQR, 2.7-5.3] years, respectively; P = .002). Nonresponders vs responders also had lower rates of depression (42 [44%] vs 94 [68%]; P < .001) and anxiety (42 [44%] vs 97 [70%]; P < .001). No responders or nonresponders requested or underwent a reversal procedure. The median Satisfaction With Decision Scale score was 5.0 (IQR, 5.0-5.0) on a 5-point scale, with higher scores noting higher satisfaction. The median Decision Regret Scale score was 0.0 (IQR, 0.0-0.0) on a 100-point scale, with lower scores noting lower levels of regret. A univariable regression analysis could not be performed to identify characteristics associated with low satisfaction with decision or high decisional regret due to the lack of variation in these responses. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional survey study, the results of validated survey instruments indicated low rates of decisional regret and high levels of satisfaction with decision following gender-affirming mastectomy. The lack of dissatisfaction and regret impeded the ability to perform a more complex statistical analysis, highlighting the need for condition-specific instruments to assess decisional regret and satisfaction with decision following gender-affirming surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Bruce
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Andrew Bolze
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Maria Ibarra
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Blair Richards
- Michigan Institute for Clinical Health Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Jessica J. Hsu
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Edwin G. Wilkins
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Megan Lane
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor
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18
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Dolotina B, Daniolos PT. Dynamic Gender Identities and Expressions: Detransition and Affirming Non-linear Gender Pathways Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:803-813. [PMID: 37739636 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
For some transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth, exploration of gender identity and expression may be non-linear. Some TGD youth elect to detransition, broadly defined as the cessation or reversal of an already-initiated social and/or medical gender affirmation process. Youths' experiences with detransition appear to be highly heterogeneous, and rates of detransition appear to be quite low. Nevertheless, it is essential that providers facilitate non-judgmental, open-ended discussions about the possibilities of gender identity and gender expression evolution, with a focus on how clinicians will support young people and their families regardless of how their gender trajectory may evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Dolotina
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Peter T Daniolos
- Member of the Faculty, Harvard Medical School Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance/Cambridge Hospital, Macht Building, 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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19
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Kim EJ, Stearns SA, Bustos VP, Dowlatshahi AS, Lee BT, Cauley R. Impact of financial well-being on gender affirmation surgery access and hospital course. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2023; 85:174-181. [PMID: 37499558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.06.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although gender affirmation surgery (GAS) can effectively treat gender dysphoria, it remains one of the most expensive components of gender affirming care. This study aims to identify the impact of financial well-being on GAS access and hospital course in the United States. METHODS The National Inpatient Sample database was queried from 2012 to 2019. US transgender patients undergoing GAS were identified. Predictors included patient sociodemographic variables. Outcomes included hospitalization course variables. Regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between predictor and outcome variables. Significance was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS A total of 5620 weighted GAS encounters were identified (genital surgery 92.3%, chest surgery 16.6%). 1825 (32.5%) patients were in the highest income bracket, compared with 1120 (19.9%) patients in the lowest bracket. Higher income was associated with younger age at the time of GAS. Patients in the highest income quartile were also 3.7 times more likely to be funded by private insurance and self-pay options than those in the lowest income quartile (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1-4.4, p < 0.0001). Additionally, patients in the lowest income quartile were 4.2 times more likely to require either home healthcare or transfer to a nursing facility post discharge than those in the highest income quartile (95% CI: 3.1-5.8, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS To promote equitable care to transgender patients, efforts to reduce financial barriers to healthcare access are much needed, particularly through broader insurance coverage of GAS procedures. Broadly, our results highlight the impact of socioeconomic variables on healthcare access and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Kim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen A Stearns
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valeria P Bustos
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arriyan S Dowlatshahi
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bernard T Lee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan Cauley
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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Jiménez-López JL. [Dysphoria and psychiatric comorbidity in transgender people seeking medical care for somatic transition]. REVISTA MEDICA DEL INSTITUTO MEXICANO DEL SEGURO SOCIAL 2023; 61:617-622. [PMID: 37769059 PMCID: PMC10599783 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8316452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Gender dysphoria is the diagnosis included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, which refers to the marked incongruence that exists between the gender that is felt or expressed and the one assigned at birth. The discomfort generated by the incongruity can cause gender affirmation to be requested through hormonal treatment or surgical sex reassignment, which is expected to disappear such discomfort. However, not all people with gender incongruence manifest discomfort and when the discomfort exists it is not always of psychopathological characteristics (dysphoria), which for some authors represents gender affirmation for aesthetic purposes (correct the incongruity). There are reports of increased medical care for transgender people who request somatic transition, but in Mexico there are no standardized protocols for their care; it is only recommended to promote access to hormonal treatment and mental health services to transgender people who request it. The eventual inclusion of surgical management in the Mexican guidelines will require clarity of concepts and unification of criteria to select the cases that should enter the health system for treatment, which is why health personnel must be prepared to identify those who can benefit from the somatic transition. The presence of dysphoria and psychiatric comorbidity may be key elements when the evaluation is carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Jiménez-López
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Hospital de Especialidades “Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret”, Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología. Ciudad de México, MéxicoInstituto Mexicano del Seguro SocialMéxico
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21
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Thompson L, Sarovic D, Wilson P, Irwin L, Visnitchi D, Sämfjord A, Gillberg C. A PRISMA systematic review of adolescent gender dysphoria literature: 3) treatment. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001478. [PMID: 37552651 PMCID: PMC10409298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
It is unclear whether the literature on adolescent gender dysphoria (GD) provides evidence to inform clinical decision making adequately. In the final of a series of three papers, we sought to review published evidence systematically regarding the types of treatment being implemented among adolescents with GD, the age when different treatment types are instigated, and any outcomes measured within adolescence. Having searched PROSPERO and the Cochrane library for existing systematic reviews (and finding none at that time), we searched Ovid Medline 1946 -October week 4 2020, Embase 1947-present (updated daily), CINAHL 1983-2020, and PsycInfo 1914-2020. The final search was carried out on 2nd November 2020 using a core strategy including search terms for 'adolescence' and 'gender dysphoria' which was adapted according to the structure of each database. Papers were excluded if they did not clearly report on clinically-likely gender dysphoria, if they were focused on adult populations, if they did not include original data (epidemiological, clinical, or survey) on adolescents (aged at least 12 and under 18 years), or if they were not peer-reviewed journal publications. From 6202 potentially relevant articles (post deduplication), 19 papers from 6 countries representing between 835 and 1354 participants were included in our final sample. All studies were observational cohort studies, usually using retrospective record review (14); all were published in the previous 11 years (median 2018). There was significant overlap of study samples (accounted for in our quantitative synthesis). All papers were rated by two reviewers using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool v1·4 (CCAT). The CCAT quality ratings ranged from 71% to 95%, with a mean of 82%. Puberty suppression (PS) was generally induced with Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone analogues (GnRHa), and at a pooled mean age of 14.5 (±1.0) years. Cross Sex Hormone (CSH) therapy was initiated at a pooled mean of 16.2 (±1.0) years. Twenty-five participants from 2 samples were reported to have received surgical intervention (24 mastectomy, one vaginoplasty). Most changes to health parameters were inconclusive, except an observed decrease in bone density z-scores with puberty suppression, which then increased with hormone treatment. There may also be a risk for increased obesity. Some improvements were observed in global functioning and depressive symptoms once treatment was started. The most common side effects observed were acne, fatigue, changes in appetite, headaches, and mood swings. Adolescents presenting for GD intervention were usually offered puberty suppression or cross-sex hormones, but rarely surgical intervention. Reporting centres broadly followed established international guidance regarding age of treatment and treatments used. The evidence base for the outcomes of gender dysphoria treatment in adolescents is lacking. It is impossible from the included data to draw definitive conclusions regarding the safety of treatment. There remain areas of concern, particularly changes to bone density caused by puberty suppression, which may not be fully resolved with hormone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Thompson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (GNC), University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Applied Health Science, University of Aberdeen, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Darko Sarovic
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (GNC), University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Philip Wilson
- Institute of Applied Health Science, University of Aberdeen, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Irwin
- Institute of Applied Health Science, University of Aberdeen, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Dana Visnitchi
- Institute of Applied Health Science, University of Aberdeen, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Sämfjord
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, The Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (GNC), University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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22
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Cohn J. The Detransition Rate Is Unknown. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1937-1952. [PMID: 37308601 PMCID: PMC10322769 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02623-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Cohn
- Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine, Twin Falls, ID, 83301-5235, USA.
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23
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Koehler A, Strauss B, Briken P, Fisch M, Soave A, Riechardt S, Nieder TO. Exploring the Relationship between (De-)Centralized Health Care Delivery, Client-Centeredness, and Health Outcomes-Results of a Retrospective, Single-Center Study of Transgender People Undergoing Vaginoplasty. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1746. [PMID: 37372864 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Transgender health care interventions (e.g., gender-affirming surgery) support transgender and gender-diverse people to transition to their gender and are delivered in both centralized (by one interdisciplinary institution) and decentralized settings (by different institutions spread over several locations). In this exploratory study, we investigated the relationship between centralized and decentralized delivery of transgender health care, client-centeredness, and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 45 clients undergoing vaginoplasty at one medical center was conducted. Mann-Whitney U tests assessed differences regarding five dimensions of client-centeredness and psychosocial outcomes between the health care delivery groups. To address shortcomings regarding the small sample size, we applied a rigorous statistical approach (e.g., Bonferroni correction) to ensure that we only identified predictors that were actually related to the outcomes. Results: All aspects of client-centered care were scored average or high. Decentralized delivery of care was more client-centered in terms of involvement in care/shared decision-making and empowerment. However, participants from decentralized health care delivery settings scored lower on psychosocial health (p = 0.038-0.005). Conclusions: The factor of (de-)centralized health care delivery appears to have a significant impact on the provision of transgender health care and should be investigated by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Koehler
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Strauss
- Institute of Psychosocial Medicine, Psychotherapy and Psycho-Oncology, University Hospital Jena, Stoystrasse 3, 07740 Jena, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Margit Fisch
- Department for Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Armin Soave
- Department for Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Riechardt
- Department for Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Timo O Nieder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Jones HE, Cruz C, Stewart C, Losken A. Decision Regret in Plastic Surgery: A Summary. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5098. [PMID: 37383479 PMCID: PMC10299769 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Patient decision regret can occur following elective healthcare decisions. The current era is focused on patient-reported outcomes, and decision regret is another metric by which surgeons can and should measure postoperative results. Patients who experience decision regret after elective procedures can often blame themselves, the surgeon, or the clinical practice, and this can lead to downstream psychological and economic consequences for all parties involved. Methods A literature search was conducted on PubMed using the following search terms: (aesthetic surgery) AND (decision regret), (rhinoplasty) AND (decision regret), (face-lift) AND (decision regret), (abdominoplasty) AND (decision regret), (breast augmentation) AND (decision regret), (breast reconstruction) AND (decision regret), (FACE-Q) AND (rhinoplasty), (BREAST-Q) AND (breast augmentation). The following article types were included in the search: randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews. Results After review of the literature, preoperative education, decisional tools, and postoperative complications were found to be the most important factors affecting decision regret after surgery. Conclusions A better understanding of the factors associated with decision regret can help surgeons provide more effective preoperative counseling and prevent postoperative decision regret. Plastic surgeons can use these tools within a context of shared decision-making and ultimately increase patient satisfaction. Decision regret for plastic surgical procedures was mainly in the context of breast reconstruction. The differences in medical necessity create unique psychological challenges, emphasizing the need for more studies and a better understanding of the topic for other elective and cosmetic surgery procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Cruz
- Department of Surgery, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Fla
| | | | - Albert Losken
- Department of Surgery, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Fla
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25
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Expósito-Campos P, Salaberria K, Pérez-Fernández JI, Gómez-Gil E. Gender detransition: A critical review of the literature. ACTAS ESPANOLAS DE PSIQUIATRIA 2023; 51:98-118. [PMID: 37489555 PMCID: PMC10803846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Gender detransition is the act of stopping or reversing the social, medical, and/or administrative changes achieved during a gender transition process. It is an emerging phenomenon of significant clinical and social interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Expósito-Campos
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Donostia-San Sebastián 20018, Spain
- Predoctoral Research Fellowship Program of theDepartment of Education of the Government of the Basque Country, Spain
| | - Karmele Salaberria
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Donostia-San Sebastián 20018, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Pérez-Fernández
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Donostia-San Sebastián 20018, Spain
| | - Esther Gómez-Gil
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Donostia-San Sebastián 20018, Spain
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Meade NG, Lepore C, Olezeski CL, McNamara M. Understanding and Addressing Disinformation in Gender-Affirming Health Care Bans. Transgend Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G. Meade
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Christy L. Olezeski
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Meredithe McNamara
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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27
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Shen WCV, Shen BH. Partial Regret After Gender Affirmation Surgery of a 35-Year-Old Taiwanese Transgender Woman. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1345-1351. [PMID: 36253559 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is often sought after to alleviate the distress of those who suffer from gender dysphoria (GD). While many studies have shown that a significant percentage of people benefit from this procedure, a number of individuals later regret their decision of undergoing surgery. Studies have illustrated what regret depicts, categorizing regret based on intensity, persistency, and sources, in the hopes to prevent an unwanted irreversible intervention. Here, an in-depth interview with a 35-year-old transwoman from Taiwan who underwent feminizing GAS at the age of 31 illustrates her unique cultural upbringing and the course of her regret. Her experience best matches the characteristics of true regret and major regret based on the classifications of Pfäfflin and Wiepjes, respectively, indicating that she expected GAS to be the solution to her personal acceptance issue, but, in retrospect, regretted the diagnosis and treatment as her problems were not solved and worsened to the extent of secondary dysphoria. This case report hopes to shed light on the complexity of GD and regret after GAS, while encouraging the pre-surgical evaluation of psychological comorbidities and post-surgical psychotherapy, and ensuring that patients are informed and give full consent. In addition, more elaborate, long-term, large-scale qualitative research, especially within more conservative cultural settings, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chi V Shen
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hwei Shen
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, 11221, Taiwan.
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28
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Burton JS, Pfeifauf K, Skolnick GB, Sacks JM, Snyder-Warwick AK. Determinants of Public Opinion Toward Gender-Affirming Surgery in the United States. Transgend Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson S. Burton
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kristin Pfeifauf
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gary B. Skolnick
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Justin M. Sacks
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alison K. Snyder-Warwick
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Abstract
Opposition to gender-affirmative approaches to care for transgender youths by some clinicians has recently begun to consolidate around "gender exploratory therapy" as a proposed alternative. Whereas gender-affirmative approaches follow the client's lead when it comes to gender, gender-exploratory therapy discourages gender affirmation in favor of exploring through talk therapy the potential pathological roots of youths' trans identities or gender dysphoria. Few detailed descriptions of the approach's parameters have been offered. In this article, I invite clinicians to reflect on gender-exploratory therapy through a series of questions. The questions are followed by an exploration of the strong conceptual and narrative similarities between gender-exploratory therapy and conversion practices. Finally, the ethical dimensions of gender-exploratory therapy are discussed from the lenses of therapeutic neutrality, patient-centered care, loving attention, and therapeutic alliance, suggesting that the approach may be unethical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Ashley
- Florence Ashley, University of Toronto
Faculty of Law and Joint Centre for Bioethics
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30
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Ashley F. Youth should decide: the principle of subsidiarity in paediatric transgender healthcare. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:110-114. [PMID: 35131805 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Drawing on the principle of subsidiarity, this article develops a framework for allocating medical decision-making authority in the absence of capacity to consent and argues that decisional authority in paediatric transgender healthcare should generally lie in the patient. Regardless of patients' capacity, there is usually nobody better positioned to make medical decisions that go to the heart of a patient's identity than the patients themselves. Under the principle of subsidiarity, decisional authority should only be held by a higher level decision-maker, such as parents or judges, if lower level decision-makers are incapable of satisfactorily addressing the issue even with support and the higher level decision-maker is better positioned to satisfactorily address the issue than all lower level decision-makers. Because gender uniquely pertains to personal identity and self-realisation, parents and judges are rarely better positioned to make complex medical decisions. Instead of taking away trans youth's authority over their healthcare decisions, we should focus on supporting their ability to take the best possible decision for themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Ashley
- Faculty of Law and Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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31
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Catalan M, Emilova M. Drawing and critiquing ethical distinctions among diverse forms of genital modification: Commentary on Fusaschi (2022). Int J Impot Res 2023; 35:16-17. [PMID: 36473957 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00637-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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32
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Ramsay A, Safer JD. Update in Adult Transgender Medicine. Annu Rev Med 2023; 74:117-124. [PMID: 36322979 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-020222-121106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Transgender people often face barriers in health care due to lack of access to care, lack of knowledgeable healthcare professionals, discrimination, and gaps in medical and mental health research. Existing research on transgender health has focused heavily on mental health, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases/infections, and substance abuse. Gender-affirming hormone therapy and/or surgery allows for some alignment of biology and gender identity. Gender-affirming care may offer quality-of-life benefits, which may outweigh modest concerns related to exogenous hormone therapy. The Endocrine Society treatment guidelines were revised in 2017, and this article reviews recent data that might inform a future guideline revision. Future longitudinal research is needed to close the gap in knowledge in the field of transgender medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyxandra Ramsay
- Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; ,
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; ,
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Kamali A, Sackey H, Gran I, Sigurjónsson H, Farnebo F, Lundgren K, Granath F, Sommar P. Implant Attributes or Patient Characteristics? Factors Affecting Outcome after Breast Augmentation in Transgender Women. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2022; 10:e4645. [PMID: 37731908 PMCID: PMC10508468 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Implant-based breast augmentation is a valuable tool for treatment of gender dysphoria in transgender women. The aim was to assess whether implant attributes, plane selection, and patient characteristics had an impact on the surgical outcome, and to compare these parameters between transgender and cisgender breast augmentations. Methods A cohort of transgender women who underwent breast augmentation at our department during 2009-2018 were retrospectively studied. The cohort was also compared with a cohort of 12,884 mainly cisgender women registered in the Swedish breast implant registry (BRIMP) during 2014-2019. Results A total of 143 transgender individuals were included, with a median follow-up of 5.7 years. Complications occurred in 20 patients (14.0%), four patients (2.8%) underwent acute reoperation, and 20 patients (14.0%) had secondary corrections. No differences were seen in complication rates when comparing prepectoral with subpectoral placement (15.1% versus 12.9%; P = 0.81); size, less than 400 mL versus greater than or equal to 400 mL (14.7% versus 13.3%; P = 0.81), or the shape of the implants, round versus anatomic (10.7% versus 22.2%; P = 0.10). In comparison with the cohort from BRIMP, the transgender cohort had more round implants (72.0% versus 60.7%; P < 0.01), larger implants (44.1% had volumes of 400-599 mL, compared with 25.4%; P < 0.0001), and more prepectoral placement (51.0% versus 7.3%; P < 0.0001). The risk of reoperation less than 30 days was 1.2% in BRIMP and 2.8% in the transgender cohort (P = 0.08). Conclusions In transgender women, implants are often larger, round, and placed prepectoral' compared with cisgender women. Despite these differences, complication rates were equivalent. Implant attributes, surgical techniques, and patient characteristics were not independently associated with the rate of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kamali
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Akademiskt Centrum Plastikkirurgi, Department of Plastic Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Sackey
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcoma, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isak Gran
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannes Sigurjónsson
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip Farnebo
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kalle Lundgren
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Granath
- Department of Medicine Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pehr Sommar
- From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Thadikonda KM, Gast KM. Top Surgery in Adolescents and Young Adults-Effective and Medically Necessary. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:1071-1073. [PMID: 36156634 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.3421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kishan M Thadikonda
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
| | - Katherine M Gast
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
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35
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Recognizing the diversity of the Portuguese transgender population: A cross-sectional study. SEXOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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36
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Regret after Gender-affirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022; 10:e4512. [PMID: 36176968 PMCID: PMC9512322 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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37
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Roberts CM, Klein DA, Adirim TA, Schvey NA, Hisle-Gorman E. Continuation of Gender-affirming Hormones Among Transgender Adolescents and Adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e3937-e3943. [PMID: 35452119 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concerns about future regret and treatment discontinuation have led to restricted access to gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) minors in some jurisdictions. However, these concerns are merely speculative because few studies have examined gender-affirming hormone continuation rates among TGD individuals. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of 2009 to 2018 medical and pharmacy records from the US Military Healthcare System. We identified TGD patients who were children and spouses of active-duty, retired, or deceased military members using International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes. We assessed initiation and continuation of gender-affirming hormones using pharmacy records. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses estimated continuation rates. RESULTS The study sample included 627 transmasculine and 325 transfeminine individuals with an average age of 19.2 ± 5.3 years. The 4-year gender-affirming hormone continuation rate was 70.2% (95% CI, 63.9-76.5). Transfeminine individuals had a higher continuation rate than transmasculine individuals 81.0% (72.0%-90.0%) vs 64.4% (56.0%-72.8%). People who started hormones as minors had higher continuation rate than people who started as adults 74.4% (66.0%-82.8%) vs 64.4% (56.0%-72.8%). Continuation was not associated with household income or family member type. In Cox regression, both transmasculine gender identity (hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.50-3.86) and starting hormones as an adult (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.14-2.52) were independently associated with increased discontinuation rates. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that >70% of TGD individuals who start gender-affirming hormones will continue use beyond 4 years, with higher continuation rates in transfeminine individuals. Patients who start hormones, with their parents' assistance, before age 18 years have higher continuation rates than adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Roberts
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | - David A Klein
- Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, CA 94533, USA
| | - Terry A Adirim
- Department of Defense, Washington, DC 22042, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Natasha A Schvey
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hisle-Gorman
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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38
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Lee WG, Christopher AN, Ralph DJ. Gender Affirmation Surgery, Transmasculine. Urol Clin North Am 2022; 49:453-465. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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MacKinnon KR, Kia H, Salway T, Ashley F, Lacombe-Duncan A, Abramovich A, Enxuga G, Ross LE. Health Care Experiences of Patients Discontinuing or Reversing Prior Gender-Affirming Treatments. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2224717. [PMID: 35877120 PMCID: PMC9315415 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.24717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Medical education, research, and clinical guidelines are available to support the initiation of gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary people. By contrast, little is known about the clinical experiences of those who discontinue or seek to reverse gender-affirming medical or surgical interventions due to a change in gender identity, often referred to as detransition. OBJECTIVE To examine the physical and mental health experiences of people who initiated medical or surgical detransition to inform clinical practice. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Using constructivist grounded theory as a qualitative approach, data were collected in the form of in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive 2-stage coding process to categorize and interpret detransition-related health care experiences to inform clinical practice. Between October 2021 and January 2022, individuals living in Canada who were aged 18 years and older with experience of stopping, shifting, or reversing a gender transition were invited to partake in semistructured virtual interviews. Study advertisements were circulated over social media, to clinicians, and within participants' social networks. A purposive sample of 28 participants who discontinued, shifted, or reversed a gender transition were interviewed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES In-depth, narrative descriptions of the physical and mental health experiences of people who discontinued or sought to reverse prior gender-affirming medical and/or surgical interventions. RESULTS Among the 28 participants, 18 (64%) were assigned female at birth and 10 (36%) were assigned male at birth; 2 (7%) identified as Jewish and White, 5 (18%) identified as having mixed race and ethnicity (which included Arab, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and South Asian), and 21 (75%) identified as White. Participants initially sought gender-affirmation at a wide range of ages (15 [56%] were between ages 18 and 24 years). Detransition occurred for various reasons, such as an evolving understanding of gender identity or health concerns. Participants reported divergent perspectives about their past gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments. Some participants felt regrets, but a majority were pleased with the results of gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments. Medical detransition was often experienced as physically and psychologically challenging, yet health care avoidance was common. Participants described experiencing stigma and interacting with clinicians who were unprepared to meet their detransition-related medical needs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study's results suggest that further research and clinical guidance is required to address the unmet needs of this population who discontinue or seek to reverse prior gender-affirming interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Kia
- School of Social Work, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Florence Ashley
- Faculty of Law & Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alex Abramovich
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabriel Enxuga
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lori E. Ross
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Thompson L, Sarovic D, Wilson P, Sämfjord A, Gillberg C. A PRISMA systematic review of adolescent gender dysphoria literature: 2) mental health. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000426. [PMID: 36962230 PMCID: PMC10021389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is unclear whether the literature on adolescent gender dysphoria (GD) provides sufficient evidence to inform clinical decision making adequately. In the second of a series of three papers, we sought to review published evidence systematically regarding the extent and nature of mental health problems recorded in adolescents presenting for clinical intervention for GD. Having searched PROSPERO and the Cochrane library for existing systematic reviews (and finding none), we searched Ovid Medline 1946 -October week 4 2020, Embase 1947-present (updated daily), CINAHL 1983-2020, and PsycInfo 1914-2020. The final search was carried out on the 2nd November 2020 using a core strategy including search terms for 'adolescence' and 'gender dysphoria' which was adapted according to the structure of each database. Papers were excluded if they did not clearly report on clinically-likely gender dysphoria, if they were focused on adult populations, if they did not include original data (epidemiological, clinical, or survey) on adolescents (aged at least 12 and under 18 years), or if they were not peer-reviewed journal publications. From 6202 potentially relevant articles (post deduplication), 32 papers from 11 countries representing between 3000 and 4000 participants were included in our final sample. Most studies were observational cohort studies, usually using retrospective record review (21). A few compared cohorts to normative or population datasets; most (27) were published in the past 5 years. There was significant overlap of study samples (accounted for in our quantitative synthesis). All papers were rated by two reviewers using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool v1·4 (CCAT). The CCAT quality ratings ranged from 45% to 96%, with a mean of 81%. More than a third of the included studies emerged from two treatment centres: there was considerable sample overlap and it is unclear how representative these are of the adolescent GD community more broadly. Adolescents presenting for GD intervention experience a high rate of mental health problems, but study findings were diverse. Researchers and clinicians need to work together to improve the quality of assessment and research, not least in making studies more inclusive and ensuring long-term follow-up regardless of treatment uptake. Whole population studies using administrative datasets reporting on GD / gender non-conformity may be necessary, along with inter-disciplinary research evaluating the lived experience of adolescents with GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Thompson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (GNC), University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Applied Health Science, University of Aberdeen, Centre for Health Science, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Darko Sarovic
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (GNC), University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Philip Wilson
- Institute of Applied Health Science, University of Aberdeen, Centre for Health Science, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Sämfjord
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, The Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (GNC), University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Glintborg D, Rubin KH, Kristensen SB, Lidegaard Ø, T'Sjoen G, Hilden M, Andersen MS. Gender affirming hormonal treatment in Danish transgender persons. A nationwide register-based study. Andrology 2022; 10:885-893. [PMID: 35366390 PMCID: PMC9322260 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) is a cornerstone in transgender care. National data are sparse regarding use of hormonal treatment by transgender persons. AIM To assess use of GAHT in transgender persons. DESIGN National register-based cohort study in Danish transgender persons followed from 2000 until 2018. The main outcome measure was prescription and purchase of GAHT. Persons with ICD-10 diagnosis code of "gender identity disorder" (CGI-cohort) and persons with legal sex change but without diagnosis (CPR-cohort) were included. In the CGI-cohort, transgender women were defined by prescription of estrogen and/or cyproterone acetate and/or testosterone-5-alpha reductase inhibitors and transgender men were defined by prescription of testosterone after study inclusion. Discontinuation of GAHT was defined as no purchase of GAHT ≥ 13 months or shift from feminizing to masculinizing hormone treatment, or vice versa. RESULTS The cohort included 2789 transgender persons (n = 1717, CGI-cohort and n = 1072, CPR-cohort). The median age (interquartile range) at study inclusion was 26.1 (17.7) years for persons assigned male at birth (n = 1447) and 22.5 (10.5) years for persons assigned female at birth (n = 1342). In the CGI-cohort, the event rate for GAHT in transgender women increased from 4.0 (95% CI: [3.1; 5.2]) events per 100 person in year 2000-2005 to 20.6 [17.8; 23.7] between 2014 -2018. In transgender men, the event rate of GAHT increased from 4.2 [2.8; 6.2] to 18.8 [16.4; 21.6]. The rate of discontinuation of GAHT was 0.06 (95% CI 0.049; 0.071) per person year. CONCLUSIONS The event rate of GAHT increased during 2000-2018. Our data suggested high adherence to GAHT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Glintborg
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital.,Institute of Clinical research, University of Southern Denmark
| | - Katrine Hass Rubin
- OPEN - Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.,Research unit OPEN, department of clinical research, University of southern Denmark
| | - Simon Bang Kristensen
- OPEN - Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.,Research unit OPEN, department of clinical research, University of southern Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Dept. of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - Malene Hilden
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen.,Centre for Gender Identity, Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen
| | - Marianne Skovsager Andersen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital.,Institute of Clinical research, University of Southern Denmark
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Erratum: Regret after Gender-affirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence-Erratum. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2022; 10:e4340. [PMID: 35506024 PMCID: PMC9049036 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Applications of three-dimensional surgical planning in facial feminization surgery: A systematic review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2022; 75:e1-e14. [PMID: 35400593 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2022.02.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite some reports that have shown an increase in safety, efficiency, and accuracy during feminizing craniofacial procedures utilizing three-dimensional (3D) technology, there are no reports summarizing the available evidence on this matter for facial feminization surgery (FFS). Here, we aimed to systematically review the application of 3D technology on FFS. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, SCOPUS, Ovid MEDLINE®, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect looking for studies reporting the use of 3D surgical planning in the setting of FFS following the PRISMA guidelines. We extracted data on photographic assessment, imaging, surgical application, and surgical technique and outcomes. RESULTS This review included 10 studies comprising 1473 transgender female patients and 50 cadaveric cranial specimens. Four studies employed virtual surgical planning (VSP) and the concomitant use of prefabricated cutting guides. One study reported the implementation of 3D VSP using a female skull as a reference. One study used computer-aided design cutting guides and custom plates for FFS. Standardized incorporation of 3D printed models allowed for preoperative planning in three studies. Three studies reported VSP using 3D reconstruction of CT images, but without the use of 3D printing. Three studies used 3D photography with specialized camera technology to enrich clinical documentation and provide a comprehensive facial analysis of soft tissue. Accuracy ranged from 85.7% to 97%. Morbidity ranged from 0% to 12.5%. CONCLUSION Based on this data, we believe 3D VSP has promising outcomes in terms of accuracy and low morbidity, encouraging its implementation in FFS. However, further prospective double-arm cohort studies are required.
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Eustaquio PC, Castelo AV, Araña YS, Corciega JOL, Rosadiño JDT, Pagtakhan RG, Regencia ZJG, Baja ES. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Gender-Affirming Surgery Among Transgender Women & Transgender Men in a Community-Based Clinic in Metro Manila, Philippines: A Retrospective Study. Sex Med 2022; 10:100497. [PMID: 35247792 PMCID: PMC9023245 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More information is needed about gender-affirming surgery (GAS) in the Philippines because of many self- or peer-prescribed gender-affirming procedures among transgender people. Aim To assess the desire of transgender adults for GAS, determined the prevalence, and evaluated factors associated with the desire. Methods We did a retrospective study of medical charts of 339 transgender men (TGM) and 186 transgender women (TGW) who attended clinical services at Victoria by LoveYourself, a transgender-led community-based clinic in Metro Manila, from March 2017 to December 2019. The medical charts were reviewed to ascertain data on gender dysphoria (GD), clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviors, and gender-affirmation-related practices, including the use of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). We also estimated the prevalence and explored factors associated with the desire for GAS using generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution, log link function, and a robust variance. Main Outcome Measures Our primary outcome was the self-reported desire for GAS. Results Almost half were already on GAHT, of whom 93% were self-medicating. Our study's prevalence of GD is 95% and nearly 3 in 4 desire GAS. The prevalence of desiring GAS was related to the specific surgical procedure chosen. Transgender adults opting for breast surgery and genital surgeries have 8.06 [adjusted prevalence ratio, (aPR): 8.06; 95% Confidence Interval, (CI): 5.22–12.45; P value < .001] and 1.19 (aPR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.11–1.28; P value < .001) times higher prevalence of GAS desire, respectively, compared with otherwise not opting for those procedures. Moreover, the prevalence of GAS desire was higher among patients with GD (aPR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01–1.18; P value = .03) than individuals without GD. Clinical Translation Providers' awareness of patients’ desires, values, and health-seeking preferences could facilitate differentiated guidance on their gender affirmation. Strengths and Limitations This quantitative study is the first to explore gender-affirming practices among transgender adults in the Philippines and provide significant insights into their healthcare needs. Our study focused only on TGM and TGW and did not reflect the other issues of transgender people outside of Metro Manila, Philippines. Furthermore, our retrospective study design may have missed essential predictors or factors not captured in the medical charts; hence, our study could never dismiss confounding factor bias due to unmeasured or residual confounding factors. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of self- and peer-led attempts from TGM and TGW to facilitate the gender transition, with the desire for GAS being significantly associated with GD and by which specific surgical procedure is chosen. Eustaquio PC, Castelo AV, Araña YS et al. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Gender-Affirming Surgery Among Transgender Women & Transgender Men in a Community-Based Clinic in Metro Manila, Philippines: A Retrospective Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100497.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - John Danvic T Rosadiño
- LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines; Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines - Open University, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | | | - Zypher Jude G Regencia
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Emmanuel S Baja
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
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Park BC, Das RK, Drolet BC. Political Issues Surrounding Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth-Reply. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:323. [PMID: 34928319 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.5345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Park
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rishub K Das
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Brian C Drolet
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Krakowsky Y, Potter E, Hallarn J, Monari B, Wilcox H, Bauer G, Ravel J, Prodger JL. The Effect of Gender-Affirming Medical Care on the Vaginal and Neovaginal Microbiomes of Transgender and Gender-Diverse People. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:769950. [PMID: 35127550 PMCID: PMC8814107 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.769950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse individuals may seek gender-affirming medical care, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to produce primary and/or secondary sex characteristics that are more congruent with their gender. Gender-affirming medical care for transmasculine individuals can include testosterone therapy, which suppresses circulating estrogen and can lead to changes in the vaginal epithelium that are reminiscent of the post-menopausal period in cisgender females. Among transfeminine individuals, gender-affirming medical care can include vaginoplasty, which is the surgical creation of a vulva and neovaginal canal, commonly using penile and scrotal skin. The effect of gender-affirming medical care on the vagina of transmasculine individuals and on the neovagina of transfeminine individuals is poorly characterized. This review summarizes what is known of the epithelium and local microbiota of the testosterone-exposed vagina and the neovagina. We focus on potential pathogens and determinants of gynecological health and identify key knowledge gaps for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonah Krakowsky
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Women’s College Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Transition Related Surgery, Department of Surgery, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emery Potter
- Transition Related Surgery, Department of Surgery, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Hallarn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Bern Monari
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hannah Wilcox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Greta Bauer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessica L. Prodger
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Jessica L. Prodger,
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Care of Transgender Patients: A General Practice Quality Improvement Approach. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10010121. [PMID: 35052285 PMCID: PMC8775415 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary care must ensure high quality lifelong care is offered to trans and gender minority patients who are known to have poor health and adverse healthcare experiences. This quality improvement project aimed to interrogate and audit the data of trans and gender minority patients in one primary care population in England. A new data collection instrument was created examining pathways of care, assessments and interventions undertaken, monitoring, and complications. General practitioners identified a sample from the patient population and then performed an audit to examine against an established standard of care. No appropriate primary care audit standard was found. There was inconsistency between multiple UK gender identity clinics’ (GIC) individual recommended schedules of care and between specialty guidelines. Using an international, secondary care, evidence-informed guideline, it appeared that up to two-thirds of patients did not receive all recommended monitoring standards, largely due to inconsistencies between GIC and international guidance. It is imperative that an evidence-based primary care guideline is devised alongside measurable standards. Given the findings of long waits, high rates of medical complexity, and some undesired treatment outcomes (including a fifth of patients stopping hormones of whom more than half cited regret or detransition experiences), this small but population-based quality improvement approach should be replicated and expanded upon at scale.
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Ashley F. Transporting the Burden of Justification: The Unethicality of Transgender Conversion Practices. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2022; 50:425-442. [PMID: 36398637 PMCID: PMC9679588 DOI: 10.1017/jme.2022.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Transgender conversion practices involve attempts to alter, discourage, or suppress a person's gender identity and/or desired gender presentation, including by delaying or preventing gender transition. Proponents of the practices have argued that they should be allowed until proven to be harmful. Drawing on the notion of expressive equality, I argue that conversion practices are prima facie unethical because they do not fulfill a legitimate clinical purpose and conflict with the self-understanding of trans communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Ashley
- UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO FACULTY OF LAW AND JOINT CENTRE FOR BIOETHICS, TORONTO, CANADA
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Letter to the Editor: Regret after Gender-affirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2021; 9:e3951. [PMID: 35028262 PMCID: PMC8751779 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Escandón JM, Bustos VP, Bustos SS, Mascaro A, Del Corral G, Ciudad P, Kim EA, Langstein HN, Manrique OJ. Reply: Regret after Gender-affirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prevalence. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3954. [PMID: 35028263 PMCID: PMC8751773 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Escandón
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, N.Y
| | - Valeria P Bustos
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Samyd S Bustos
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
| | - Andres Mascaro
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Fla
| | - Gabriel Del Corral
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C
| | - Pedro Ciudad
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital, Lima, Peru
| | - Esther A Kim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Howard N Langstein
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, N.Y
| | - Oscar J Manrique
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, N.Y
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