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Grimstad FW, Lee J. Overview of gender-affirming surgery. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:1363-1370. [PMID: 38349521 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05874-z] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
This publication will discuss the diversity of procedures that are common to those with intersex traits,/differences of sex development (I/DSD), and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients. It will address how these procedures are performed, and common after care and long-term considerations which are relevant to the pediatric radiologist. Some surgeries offered to these patient populations have shared surgical approaches and radiographic considerations. With the growth of TGD procedures as a field, more pediatric subspecialties are performing these procedures, and the approaches are informing the surgical care of the growing number of I/DSD individuals who are seeking surgery in adolescence and young adulthood. Surgeries discussed will include procedures to masculinize or feminize breast/chest tissue, facial bony contours, as well as internal and external genital structures. Patients are diverse and this includes their embodiment goals. As such, not all TGD and I/DSD patients will desire to undergo these procedures. It is important for radiologists to have a foundational understanding of this heterogenous set of procedures so they can provide optimal care for these patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances W Grimstad
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital Gynecology, 333 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Jessica Lee
- Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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2
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Butler W, Cai CR, Carswell JM, Huang JT. Dermatologic needs of transgender and gender diverse youth: A retrospective cohort study. Pediatr Dermatol 2024; 41:677-679. [PMID: 38621697 DOI: 10.1111/pde.15628] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Several dermatologic concerns are known to disproportionally affect transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adults, but little is known about dermatologic conditions in TGD youth. This study assesses the prevalence of acne, androgenic alopecia, scarring from gender-affirming procedures, and eczema in pediatric TGD patients seen at Boston Children's Hospital between April 2021 and April 2022. The results demonstrate that, for TGD youth, the studied dermatologic concerns are common, referral rates to dermatology are low, and acne is significantly associated with testosterone use. Future studies should examine additional dermatologic concerns and barriers to accessing dermatologic care for this historically underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Butler
- Dermatology Section, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Casey R Cai
- Dermatology Section, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeremi M Carswell
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer T Huang
- Dermatology Section, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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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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Steininger J, Knaus S, Kaufmann U, Ott J, Riedl S. Treatment trajectories of gender incongruent Austrian youth seeking gender-affirming hormone therapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1258495. [PMID: 38774227 PMCID: PMC11106449 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1258495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to describe the treatment trajectories of Austrian children and adolescents with gender incongruence seeking gender-affirming medical care. Methods Patients who presented with gender incongruence at the pediatric outpatient clinic for differences in sex development at a large university hospital in Austria from January 2008 to December 2022 were included in a retrospective chart review, and analyzed regarding referral numbers, patient characteristics, treatment trajectories, fertility preservation, and legal gender marker changes. Results Of 310 eligible patients, 230 (74.2%) were assigned female at birth (AFAB), and 80 (25.8%) were assigned male at birth (AMAB). The number of referrals increased steeply from 2008 to 2018, whereafter it stabilized at around 50 per year. At the time of initial presentation, the median age of patients was 15.6 years (IQR 14.3-16.8). AMAB individuals tended to be younger (median 14.9 years, IQR 13.9-16.8) than AFAB individuals (median 15.8 years, IQR 14.4-16.8; p= 0.012). 207 (66,8%) completed the assessment process and were eligible for gender affirming medical treatment (GAMT). Of those, 89% (186/207) commenced gender affirming hormone therapy in the pediatric outpatient clinic (79/186 received GnRHa monotherapy, 91/186 GnRHa and sex steroids, and 16/186 sex steroid monotherapy). Of the 54 AMAB individuals receiving GAMT, 6 (11.1%) completed fertility preservation prior to therapy initiation. Only 1/132 AFAB adolescents receiving GAMT completed fertility preservation. Chest masculinization surgery was performed in 22 cases (16.7%), and breast augmentation in two cases (3.7%) between the ages of 16 and 18. Changes in legal gender marker were common, with 205 individuals (66.1%) having changed their legal gender marker. Conclusion This is the first time that treatment trajectories, fertility preservation rates, and changes of legal gender marker have been described in Austrian adolescents with gender incongruence seeking GAMT. The majority received GAMT and changed their legal gender marker, while gender affirming surgery rates were low, and utilization of fertility preservation treatment options was rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jojo Steininger
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Knaus
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Kaufmann
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Ott
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Riedl
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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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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Brecht A, Bos S, Ries L, Hübner K, Widenka PM, Winter SM, Calvano C. Analyzing body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria in the context of minority stress among transgender adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:30. [PMID: 38431595 PMCID: PMC10909265 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00718-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender dysphoria among transgender adolescents has predominantly been examined in relation to body dissatisfaction. While in adult transgender samples, body dissatisfaction is higher than in cisgender controls, this has so far rarely been investigated for adolescents. In the context of a cisnormative society, the impact of influences from the social environment on body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria has been neglected in research. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) provide a detailed analysis of body dissatisfaction among young transgender people and (2) investigate whether body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria are associated with experiences of minority stress such as trans hostility and poor peer relations (PPR). METHODS The paper presents a cross-sectional study among a sample of transgender adolescents, presenting at a specialized outpatient counseling clinic (N = 99; age M = 15.36, SD = 1.85). First, body dissatisfaction (assessed by the Body-Image-Scale; BIS), was explored and compared to data from a population-based control group of cisgender peers (N = 527; age M = 14.43, SD = 0.97). Second, within a clinic-referred transgender subsample (n = 74), associations between body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria (measured by Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale; UGDS), PPR (measured by the Youth-Self-Report; YSR-R), and trans hostile experiences (assessed in clinical interview) were examined by correlations, t-tests and multivariate regression. RESULTS Transgender adolescents reported more body dissatisfaction than cisgender peers. The dissatisfaction with sex characteristics, non-hormonal reactive body regions and the total score for body dissatisfaction were positively related with gender dysphoria. The majority had experienced trans hostility in the present and/or past (54.1%) and PPR (63.5%). More body dissatisfaction was correlated with more PPR regarding visible body parts i.e., hair, overall appearance and muscles, whilst PPR and gender dysphoria were not associated. Transgender adolescents who experienced trans hostility showed higher gender dysphoria and PPR, but not more body dissatisfaction. In multiple regression, trans hostility predicted gender dysphoria, whilst age and PPR predicted body dissatisfaction. DISCUSSION Experiences of minority-stress differentially interact with body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria among transgender adolescents. Social correlates of body dissatisfaction and gender dysphoria must be considered when working with young transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brecht
- Department of Education and Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sascha Bos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Ries
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hübner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pia-Marie Widenka
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sibylle Maria Winter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Insitute of Health, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Calvano
- Department of Education and Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Roosevelt LK, Kattari L, Yingling C. Affirming Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2024; 49:66-73. [PMID: 38112665 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000981] [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: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nurses play a critical role in providing gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. With heightened debate about the clinical care for transgender and gender-diverse youth in the national and global spotlight, now more than ever before nurses must equip themselves with the knowledge and the evidence spanning more than 4 decades that support the clinical use of gender-affirming care for youth and young adults. By exploring gender development and gender-affirming care approaches through the lifespan perspective, this review provides an up-to-date discussion about best practices and clinical implications for providing equitable care for transgender and gender-diverse youth from birth to childhood and through adolescence developmental phases. A transgender and gender-diverse youth's future willingness to access health care is dependent on how positive their interactions are with their care team at this sensitive moment in their life. Nurses must not let political rhetoric impede their practice and ethical guidelines to provide competent, skilled, and unbiased care. Knowledgeable, informed, and empowered nurses can provide life-saving care to transgender and gender-diverse youth and their families.
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Boerner KE, Harrison LE, Battison EAJ, Murphy C, Wilson AC. Topical Review: Acute and Chronic Pain Experiences in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth. J Pediatr Psychol 2023; 48:984-991. [PMID: 37886804 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the existing literature on gender diversity in pediatric acute and chronic pain, propose an ecological systems model of understanding pain in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth, and identify a direction for future work that will address the key knowledge gaps identified. METHODS Relevant literature on pain and gender diversity was reviewed, drawing from adult literature where there was insufficient evidence in pediatric populations. Existing relevant models for understanding minority stress, gender and pain, and pain experiences within marginalized groups were considered with the reviewed literature to develop a pain model in TGD youth. RESULTS While there is an abundance of literature pointing to increased risk for pain experiences amongst TGD youth, there is comparably little empirical evidence of the rates of pain amongst TGD youth, prevalence of TGD identities in pain care settings, effective pain treatments for TGD youth and unique considerations for their care, and the role intersectional factors in understanding TGD youth identities and pain. CONCLUSION Pediatric psychologists are well-positioned to advance the research on acute and chronic pain in TGD youth, make evidence-based adaptations to clinical care for TGD youth with pain, including pain related to gender affirmation, and support colleagues within the medical system to provide more inclusive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelynn E Boerner
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Lauren E Harrison
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Corrin Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Anna C Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
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Hassan B, Zeitouni F, Ascha M, Sanders R, Liang F. Temporal Trends in Gender Affirmation Surgery Among Transgender and Non-Binary Minors. Cureus 2023; 15:e45948. [PMID: 37885491 PMCID: PMC10599689 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last decade, a greater number of transgender or non-binary (TGNB) minors have been seeking gender affirmation surgery (GAS). Given the recent concerns about the potential harm of GAS in TGNB minors, we sought to determine the incidence and postoperative outcomes of GAS among TGNB minors. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Pediatric database, 2018-2021, for minors aged 17 years or younger. The primary outcome was the frequency and type of GAS plotted over time. The secondary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications within 30 days following GAS. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Linear regression was performed to assess the association between the incidence of GAS and time in years. RESULTS A total of 108 TGNB minors were identified. The mean (SD) age was 16.9 (0.8) years without significant variation over time. There was a significant increase in the number of GAS per year over four years (P<.001). Nevertheless, only two (1.9%) patients underwent GAS below the age of 15 (13.9 and 14.5 years). Chest masculinization surgery (CMS) was the predominant procedure type among TGNB minors (n=102, 94.4%). There was no incidence of major complications (mortality, bleeding, sepsis, unplanned intubation) except for unplanned reoperation for hematoma evacuation (n=3, 2.8%). The incidence of minor complications (surgical site infection, wound dehiscence) was low (n=1, 0.9%), each). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE GAS in minors, primarily in the form of CMS, has been increasing over time. CMS in minors is a safe procedure with rare complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Hassan
- Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ferris Zeitouni
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA
- Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mona Ascha
- Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Renata Sanders
- Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Fan Liang
- Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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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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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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Gribble KD, Bewley S, Dahlen HG. Breastfeeding grief after chest masculinisation mastectomy and detransition: A case report with lessons about unanticipated harm. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:1073053. [PMID: 36817034 PMCID: PMC9936190 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1073053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of young females are undergoing chest masculinsation mastectomy to affirm a gender identity and/or to relieve gender dysphoria. Some desist in their transgender identification and/or become reconciled with their sex, and then revert (or detransition). To the best of our knowledge, this report presents the first published case of a woman who had chest masculinisation surgery to affirm a gender identity as a trans man, but who later detransitioned, became pregnant and grieved her inability to breastfeed. She described a lack of understanding by maternity health providers of her experience and the importance she placed on breastfeeding. Subsequent poor maternity care contributed to her distress. The absence of breast function as a consideration in transgender surgical literature is highlighted. That breastfeeding is missing in counselling and consent guidelines for chest masculinisation mastectomy is also described as is the poor quality of existing research on detransition rates and benefit or otherwise of chest masculinising mastectomy. Recommendations are made for improving maternity care for detransitioned women. Increasing numbers of chest masculinsation mastectomies will likely be followed by more new mothers without functioning breasts who will require honest, knowledgeable, and compassionate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karleen D. Gribble
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia,Correspondence: Karleen D. Gribble
| | - Susan Bewley
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah G. Dahlen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
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