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Mayer TK, Becker-Hebly I, Elaut E, Heylens G, Kreukels BPC, Nieder TO. Response to Letter to the Editor on "Desired decision-making role and treatment satisfaction among trans people during medical transition: results from the ENIGI follow-up study". J Sex Med 2023; 20:1261-1262. [PMID: 37553087 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Toby K Mayer
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Inga Becker-Hebly
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Els Elaut
- Center of Sexology and Gender, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Center of Sexology and Gender, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Baudewijntje P C Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam 1081, the Netherlands
| | - Timo O Nieder
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center Hamburg, Department for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
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Mayer TK, Becker-Hebly I, Elaut E, Heylens G, Kreukels BPC, Nieder TO. Desired decision-making role and treatment satisfaction among trans people during medical transition: results from the ENIGI follow-up study. J Sex Med 2023; 20:893-904. [PMID: 37037786 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shared decision making (SDM) is particularly important in transition-related medical interventions (TRMIs) given the nature of treatment and history of gatekeeping in transgender health care. Yet few studies have investigated trans people's desired decision-making role within TRMI and factors that influence these desires. AIMS The study investigated trans people's desired level of decision making during medical transition as well as possible sociodemographic predictors and correlations between decision-making desires and satisfaction with treatment. METHODS Data were collected from a clinical sample from 3 trans health care centers, as part of the larger ENIGI study. The data consisted of 568 trans individuals (60.2% assigned male at birth) 20 to 82 years of age (mean age = 38.58 years) who took part in the study 4 to 6 years after initial clinical contact. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to determine whether independent variables predicted group membership in decision-making role subgroups while a Spearman rank-order correlation was conducted to determine the relationship between desired decision-making involvement and satisfaction with care. OUTCOMES Main measures were desired decision-making role, satisfaction with treatment, age, education level, country of residence, treatment status, individual treatment progress score (ITPS), gender identity, and sex assigned at birth. RESULTS The vast majority of participants wanted to make medical decisions themselves. Age, education level, country of residence, treatment status, gender identity, and sex assigned at birth showed no significant effects in desired level of decision making, while the ITPS neared significance. Satisfaction with treatment was overall very high. For participants assigned male at birth, desire for a more active role in decision making was negatively correlated with satisfaction of labia surgery. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A desired decision-making role cannot be predicted based on the trans person's sociodemographic characteristics. More involvement from health professionals addressing medical information and education obligations may be needed when offering surgical construction of labia to individuals assigned male at birth. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This study builds on the few existing analyses of desired levels of decision-making role among trans people during transition. It is the first to investigate the role of education level and treatment status/ITPS on the desire of decision-making role. Gender identity and influence of nonbinary identity were not investigated for treatment satisfaction as these items were presented based on sex assigned at birth. CONCLUSION This study highlights that trans people in 3 European trans health care centers during medical transition desire a more active role in decision making. Satisfaction with treatment received was overall very high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby K Mayer
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Inga Becker-Hebly
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Els Elaut
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
- Center of Sexology and Gender, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Center of Sexology and Gender, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
| | - Baudewijntje P C Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timo O Nieder
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center Hamburg, Department for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Van Acker I, Dewaele A, Elaut E, Baetens K. Exploring Care Needs of Partners of Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals in Co-Transition: A Qualitative Interview Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111535. [PMID: 37297675 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific knowledge on the impact of a gender-affirming transition on intimate partners of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals is limited. It is unclear which care needs partners have and which role health care professionals can play during this transition process. The aim of this study was to explore the unique experiences and care needs of people partnering with TGD people in the context of a gender-affirming transition. A qualitative research method was chosen, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with a sample of nine participants. After transcription, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three main themes, with three subthemes each, were identified: (1) intrapersonal processes, with (1a) the process of acceptance, (1b) concerns surrounding the medical transition and (1c) impact on sexual orientation as subthemes; (2) dyadic processes, with (2a) the importance of mutual commitment, (2b) experiences regarding intimacy and (2c) relational growth as subthemes; and (3) perception of support, with (3a) need for support, (3b) the importance of support and (3c) evaluation of support as subthemes. The results suggest that health care providers can help partners to navigate the process of a gender-affirming transition; however, the care needs of partners are currently not satisfied with the available professional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabeau Van Acker
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexis Dewaele
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Elaut
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Centre of Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kariann Baetens
- Centre of Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Gieles NC, van de Grift TC, Elaut E, Heylens G, Becker-Hebly I, Nieder TO, Laan ETM, Kreukels BPC. Pleasure please! Sexual pleasure and influencing factors in transgender persons: An ENIGI follow-up study. Int J Transgend Health 2023; 24:212-224. [PMID: 37114112 PMCID: PMC10128378 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2022.2028693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: While the importance of sexual pleasure for physical and mental health becomes increasingly evident, research on sexual pleasure in transgender persons is lacking. Recently, the first version of the Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Index (ASPI Vol. 0.1) was validated in cisgender persons. This questionnaire aims to assess the tendency to experience sexual pleasure independent of gender, sexual orientation or anatomy. Aim: The aims of this study were threefold. First, to perform exploratory scale validation analyses of the ASPI in transgender persons. Secondly, to compare transgender sexual pleasure scores to reference data in cisgender persons. Finally, to identify factors that are associated with sexual pleasure. Methods: In a follow-up study conducted within the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI), online questionnaires were distributed to persons who had a first clinical contact at gender clinics in Amsterdam, Ghent or Hamburg four to six years earlier. Internal consistency of the ASPI was assessed by calculating McDonald's omega (ωt). ASPI scores were compared to scores from the cisgender population using a one sample t-test, and linear regressions were conducted to study associations with clinical characteristics, psychological wellbeing, body satisfaction and self-reported happiness. Results: In total, 325 persons filled out the ASPI. The ASPI showed excellent internal consistency (ωt, all: 0.97; transfeminine: 0.97, transmasculine: 0.97). Compared to data from cisgender persons, transgender participants had significantly lower total ASPI scores (i.e., lower sexual pleasure; transgender vs. cisgender, mean(SD): 4.13(0.94) vs. 4.71(0.61)). Lower age, current happiness and genital body satisfaction were associated with a higher tendency to experience sexual pleasure. Conclusion & discussion: The ASPI can be used to assess the tendency to experience sexual pleasure and associated factors in transgender persons. Future studies are needed to understand interplaying biopsychosocial factors that promote sexual pleasure and hence transgender sexual health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor C. Gieles
- Department of Endocrinology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- CONTACT Noor C. Gieles Department of Endocrinology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam Medical Centers, location VUmc, PO box 7057, Amsterdam1007 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Tim C. van de Grift
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Els Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Center for Sexology and Gender, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inga Becker-Hebly
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Timo O. Nieder
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ellen T. M. Laan
- Department of Sexology and Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Baudewijntje P. C. Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kennis M, Duecker F, Elaut E, T'Sjoen G, Loeys T, Sack AT, Dewitte M. Daily Sexual Behavior, Sexual Esteem, and Body Image in Transgender and Cisgender Individuals. J Sex Res 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36548099 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2158172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Multiple surveys have suggested that transgender individuals show lower sexual well-being than cisgender individuals. Most studies, however, are limited in terms of ecological validity and memory bias and cross-sectional in nature. These issues are less prevalent in diary studies monitoring responses over time at home. For three weeks, 47 transgender (M age = 29.00, SD = 11.62) and 52 cisgender individuals (M age = 32.90, SD = 11.44) reported daily on their sexual behavior, sexual esteem and body image. Using multilevel model analyses, we investigated the daily associations between these variables, and addressed differences between transgender and cisgender individuals. We found that in transgender individuals, intimacy predicted sexual esteem; sexual openness predicted sexual esteem and body image; and sexual esteem predicts intimacy, masturbation, and sexual openness on the daily level. While transgender individuals scored lower on daily sexual esteem and body image than cisgender individuals, groups did not differ in daily sexual behavior. They also did not differ in any of the predictive relations described above, but we did find that the association between masturbation and body image was moderated by a cisgender identity, and sexual esteem predicted sexual activity more positively in cisgender compared to transgender individuals. These results complement findings from cross-sectional studies and indicate how transgender individuals struggling with sexuality can increase sexual openness. Implications for clinical practice are that clinicians discussing sexuality with their transgender patients should not define sexual activity too narrowly, and that sexual esteem might be a relevant factor in determining sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Kennis
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Maastricht Brain Imaging Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Felix Duecker
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Maastricht Brain Imaging Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Els Elaut
- Department of Clinical-Experimental and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Loeys
- Department of Data Analysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexander T Sack
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Maastricht Brain Imaging Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Marieke Dewitte
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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6
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Decaro SP, Van Gils S, Van Hoorde B, Baetens K, Heylens G, Elaut E. It might take time: a study on the evolution of quality of life in individuals with gender incongruence during gender-affirming care. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Van Acker I, Dewaele A, Elaut E, Baetens K. "What about my part of the story?": exploring perspectives of people who partner with transgender and gender diverse individuals. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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Coleman E, Radix AE, Bouman WP, Brown GR, de Vries ALC, Deutsch MB, Ettner R, Fraser L, Goodman M, Green J, Hancock AB, Johnson TW, Karasic DH, Knudson GA, Leibowitz SF, Meyer-Bahlburg HFL, Monstrey SJ, Motmans J, Nahata L, Nieder TO, Reisner SL, Richards C, Schechter LS, Tangpricha V, Tishelman AC, Van Trotsenburg MAA, Winter S, Ducheny K, Adams NJ, Adrián TM, Allen LR, Azul D, Bagga H, Başar K, Bathory DS, Belinky JJ, Berg DR, Berli JU, Bluebond-Langner RO, Bouman MB, Bowers ML, Brassard PJ, Byrne J, Capitán L, Cargill CJ, Carswell JM, Chang SC, Chelvakumar G, Corneil T, Dalke KB, De Cuypere G, de Vries E, Den Heijer M, Devor AH, Dhejne C, D'Marco A, Edmiston EK, Edwards-Leeper L, Ehrbar R, Ehrensaft D, Eisfeld J, Elaut E, Erickson-Schroth L, Feldman JL, Fisher AD, Garcia MM, Gijs L, Green SE, Hall BP, Hardy TLD, Irwig MS, Jacobs LA, Janssen AC, Johnson K, Klink DT, Kreukels BPC, Kuper LE, Kvach EJ, Malouf MA, Massey R, Mazur T, McLachlan C, Morrison SD, Mosser SW, Neira PM, Nygren U, Oates JM, Obedin-Maliver J, Pagkalos G, Patton J, Phanuphak N, Rachlin K, Reed T, Rider GN, Ristori J, Robbins-Cherry S, Roberts SA, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Rosenthal SM, Sabir K, Safer JD, Scheim AI, Seal LJ, Sehoole TJ, Spencer K, St Amand C, Steensma TD, Strang JF, Taylor GB, Tilleman K, T'Sjoen GG, Vala LN, Van Mello NM, Veale JF, Vencill JA, Vincent B, Wesp LM, West MA, Arcelus J. Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8. Int J Transgend Health 2022; 23:S1-S259. [PMID: 36238954 PMCID: PMC9553112 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 227.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Coleman
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - A E Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - W P Bouman
- Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health, Nottingham, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - G R Brown
- James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
- James H. Quillen VAMC, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - A L C de Vries
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M B Deutsch
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Gender Affirming Health Program, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - R Ettner
- New Health Foundation Worldwide, Evanston, IL, USA
- Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - L Fraser
- Independent Practice, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Goodman
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Green
- Independent Scholar, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | - A B Hancock
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - T W Johnson
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, CA, USA
| | - D H Karasic
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Independent Practice at dankarasic.com
| | - G A Knudson
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - S F Leibowitz
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - H F L Meyer-Bahlburg
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - J Motmans
- Transgender Infopunt, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Centre for Research on Culture and Gender, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - L Nahata
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Endocrinology and Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - T O Nieder
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center Hamburg, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S L Reisner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Richards
- Regents University London, UK
- Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - V Tangpricha
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - A C Tishelman
- Boston College, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - M A A Van Trotsenburg
- Bureau GenderPRO, Vienna, Austria
- University Hospital Lilienfeld-St. Pölten, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - S Winter
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - K Ducheny
- Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - N J Adams
- University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, Canada
- Transgender Professional Association for Transgender Health (TPATH)
| | - T M Adrián
- Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- Diverlex Diversidad e Igualdad a Través de la Ley, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - L R Allen
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - D Azul
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - H Bagga
- Monash Health Gender Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Başar
- Department of Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - D S Bathory
- Independent Practice at Bathory International PLLC, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - J J Belinky
- Durand Hospital, Guemes Clinic and Urological Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D R Berg
- National Center for Gender Spectrum Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J U Berli
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - R O Bluebond-Langner
- NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - M-B Bouman
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M L Bowers
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Burlingame, CA, USA
| | - P J Brassard
- GrS Montreal, Complexe CMC, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Université de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - J Byrne
- University of Waikato/Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, New Zealand/Aotearoa
| | - L Capitán
- The Facialteam Group, Marbella International Hospital, Marbella, Spain
| | | | - J M Carswell
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston's Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S C Chang
- Independent Practice, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - G Chelvakumar
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - T Corneil
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - K B Dalke
- Penn State Health, PA, USA
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - G De Cuypere
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - E de Vries
- Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - M Den Heijer
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - A H Devor
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - C Dhejne
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A D'Marco
- UCTRANS-United Caribbean Trans Network, Nassau, The Bahamas
- D M A R C O Organization, Nassau, The Bahamas
| | - E K Edmiston
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - L Edwards-Leeper
- Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
- Independent Practice, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - R Ehrbar
- Whitman Walker Health, Washington, DC, USA
- Independent Practice, Maryland, USA
| | - D Ehrensaft
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J Eisfeld
- Transvisie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Clinical Experimental and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - L Erickson-Schroth
- The Jed Foundation, New York, NY, USA
- Hetrick-Martin Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - J L Feldman
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - A D Fisher
- Andrology, Women Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - M M Garcia
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Departments of Urology and Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - L Gijs
- Institute of Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - B P Hall
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Adult Gender Medicine Clinic, Durham, NC, USA
| | - T L D Hardy
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - M S Irwig
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - A C Janssen
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Johnson
- RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - D T Klink
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, ZNA Queen Paola Children's Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B P C Kreukels
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - L E Kuper
- Department of Psychiatry, Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - E J Kvach
- Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M A Malouf
- Malouf Counseling and Consulting, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R Massey
- WPATH Global Education Institute
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - T Mazur
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - C McLachlan
- Professional Association for Transgender Health, South Africa
- Gender DynamiX, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S D Morrison
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - S W Mosser
- Gender Confirmation Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - P M Neira
- Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - U Nygren
- Division of Speech and Language Pathology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Speech and Language Pathology, Medical Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J M Oates
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Voice Analysis Centre, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Obedin-Maliver
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - G Pagkalos
- Independent PracticeThessaloniki, Greece
- Military Community Mental Health Center, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J Patton
- Talkspace, New York, NY, USA
- CytiPsychological LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - N Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - K Rachlin
- Independent Practice, New York, NY, USA
| | - T Reed
- Gender Identity Research and Education Society, Leatherhead, UK
| | - G N Rider
- National Center for Gender Spectrum Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Ristori
- Andrology, Women Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - S A Roberts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston's Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S M Rosenthal
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center
| | - K Sabir
- FtM Phoenix Group, Krasnodar Krai, Russia
| | - J D Safer
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - A I Scheim
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Ontario, Canada
| | - L J Seal
- Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - K Spencer
- National Center for Gender Spectrum Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - C St Amand
- University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - T D Steensma
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J F Strang
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - G B Taylor
- Atrium Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - K Tilleman
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - G G T'Sjoen
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - L N Vala
- Independent Practice, Campbell, CA, USA
| | - N M Van Mello
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J F Veale
- School of Psychology, University of Waikato/Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, New Zealand/Aotearoa
| | - J A Vencill
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - B Vincent
- Trans Learning Partnership at https://spectra-london.org.uk/trans-learning-partnership, UK
| | - L M Wesp
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI, USA
- Health Connections Inc., Glendale, WI, USA
| | - M A West
- North Memorial Health Hospital, Robbinsdale, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Arcelus
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Pavanello Decaro S, Van Gils S, Van Hoorde B, Baetens K, Heylens G, Elaut E. It Might Take Time: A Study on the Evolution of Quality of Life in Individuals With Gender Incongruence During Gender-Affirming Care. J Sex Med 2021; 18:2045-2055. [PMID: 34666960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The distress caused by gender incongruence has been shown to be reduced with gender-affirming care. The current study follows a cohort of patients that requested gender-affirming care at Ghent University Hospital and examines the outcome of the procedures. METHODS The prospective design with 4 assessment times allows the study to assess the evolution of self-reported quality of life (QoL) and gender incongruence throughout a medical transition process. All the participants (N = 119) received hormone therapy, 52% underwent a separate gonadectomy (N = 62), and 41% vaginoplasty or phalloplasty (N = 49). RESULTS The results suggest that gender incongruence improves after surgery. QoL has slightly different trends for the different gender groups: compared to people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB), people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) report lower QoL after gonadectomy. Meeting other transgender people facilitate QoL after starting hormone therapy. A higher number of friends after genital surgery are predictive of a better QoL. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These results may be useful for clinicians working with transgender patients, as they provide information collected assessing patients soon after surgery and may raise awareness regarding the specific clinical attention that postsurgery patients need. CONCLUSIONS QoL can be compromised after the invasive surgery, while gender incongruence is alleviated throughout the transition. Our results should be confirmed with other prospective study designs that include a longer follow-up period. Pavanello Decaro S, Van Gils S, Van Hoorde B, et al. It Might Take Time: A Study on the Evolution of Quality of Life in Individuals With Gender Incongruence During Gender-Affirming Care. J Sex Med 2021;18:2045-2055.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pavanello Decaro
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Stien Van Gils
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Birgit Van Hoorde
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kariann Baetens
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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10
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de Brouwer IJ, Elaut E, Becker-Hebly I, Heylens G, Nieder TO, van de Grift TC, Kreukels BPC. Aftercare Needs Following Gender-Affirming Surgeries: Findings From the ENIGI Multicenter European Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1921-1932. [PMID: 37057483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While much emphasis has been put on the evaluation of gender-affirming surgery (GAS) approaches and their effectiveness, little is known about the health care needs after completion of these interventions. AIM To assess post-GAS aftercare needs using a mixed-method approach and relate these to participant characteristics. METHODS As part of the ENIGI follow-up study, data was collected 5 years after first contact for gender-affirming treatments in 3 large European clinics. For the current analyses, only participants that had received GAS were included. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was collected. Standard aftercare protocols were followed. The study focused on participants' aftercare experiences. Participants rated whether they (had) experienced (predefined) aftercare needs and further elaborated in 2 open-ended questions. Frequencies of aftercare needs were analyzed and associated with participant characteristics via binary logistic regression. Answers to the open-ended questions were categorized through thematic analysis. OUTCOMES Aftercare needs transgender individuals (had) experienced after receiving GAS and the relation to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Of the 543 individuals that were invited for the ENIGI follow-up study, a total of 260 individuals were included (122 (trans) masculine, 119 (trans) feminine, 16 other, 3 missing). The most frequently mentioned aftercare need was (additional) assistance in surgical recovery (47%), followed by consultations with a mental health professional (36%) and physiotherapy for the pelvic floor (20%). The need for assistance in surgical recovery was associated with more psychological symptoms (OR=1.65), having undergone genital surgery (OR=2.55) and lower surgical satisfaction (OR=0.61). The need for consultation with a mental health professional was associated with more psychological symptoms and lower surgical satisfaction. The need for pelvic floor therapy was associated with more psychological symptoms as well as with having undergone genital surgery. Thematic analysis revealed 4 domains regarding aftercare optimization: provision of care, additional mental health care, improvement of organization of care and surgical technical care. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Deeper understanding of post-GAS aftercare needs and associated individual characteristics informs health care providers which gaps are experienced and therefore should be addressed in aftercare. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS We provided first evidence on aftercare needs of transgender individuals after receiving GAS and associated these with participant characteristics in a large multicenter clinical cohort. No standardized data on aftercare received was collected, therefore the expressed aftercare needs cannot be compared with received aftercare. CONCLUSION These results underline a widely experienced desire for aftercare and specify the personalized needs it should entail. IJ de Brouwer, E Elaut, I Becker-Hebly et al. Aftercare Needs Following Gender-Affirming Surgeries: Findings From the ENIGI Multicenter European Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:1921-1932.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris J de Brouwer
- Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Els Elaut
- University Hospital Ghent, Center of Sexology and Gender, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inga Becker-Hebly
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Heylens
- University Hospital Ghent, Center of Sexology and Gender, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Timo O Nieder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim C van de Grift
- Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Baudewijntje P C Kreukels
- Amsterdam University Medical Center (location VUmc), Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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11
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Ross MB, van de Grift TC, Elaut E, Nieder TO, Becker-Hebly I, Heylens G, Kreukels BPC. Experienced barriers of care within European treatment seeking transgender individuals: A multicenter ENIGI follow-up study. Int J Transgend Health 2021; 24:26-37. [PMID: 36713146 PMCID: PMC9879197 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2021.1964409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the experienced barriers of care for treatment-seeking trans individuals (TSTG) in three large European clinics. Methods: An online follow-up questionnaire was filled out by 307 TSTG individuals as part of the research protocol of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI). Data was collected during follow-up in 2017/2018, around 5 years after participants had their initial clinical appointments in Ghent (Belgium), Amsterdam (the Netherlands), or Hamburg (Germany). Background characteristics, country, treatment characteristics and mental health were analyzed in relation to experienced barriers of care (EBOC, measured though agreement with statements). Results: The majority of participants reported various EBOC, oftentimes more than one. The most-frequently reported EBOCs pertained to the lack of family and friends' support (28.7%, n = 88) and travel time and costs (27.7%, n = 85), whereas around one-fifth felt hindered by treatment protocols. Also, a significant share expressed the feeling that they had to convince their provider they needed care and/or express their wish in such way to increase their likelihood of receiving care. A higher number of EBOCs reported was associated with more mental health problems, lower income and female gender. Conclusions: A substantial number of TSTG individuals within three European health care systems experiences EBOCs. EBOCs relate to both personal and systemic characteristics. These findings can help health care providers and centers to improve care. More research must be done to better understand the diversity among TSTG individuals and the corresponding barriers experienced. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2021.1964409.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeghan B. Ross
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim C. van de Grift
- Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Els Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Timo O. Nieder
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Inga Becker-Hebly
- Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Baudewijntje P. C. Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Matthys I, Defreyne J, Elaut E, Fisher AD, Kreukels BPC, Staphorsius A, Den Heijer M, T’Sjoen G. Positive and Negative Affect Changes during Gender-Affirming Hormonal Treatment: Results from the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI). J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020296. [PMID: 33466910 PMCID: PMC7829763 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving transgender people's quality of life (QoL) is the most important goal of gender-affirming care. Prospective changes in affect can influence QoL. We aim to assess the impact of initiating gender-affirming hormonal treatment (HT) on affect. In the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) study, we prospectively collected data of 873 participants (451 transwomen (TW) and 422 transmen (TM)). At baseline, psychological questionnaires including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) were administered. The PANAS, levels of sex steroids and physical changes were registered at each follow-up visit during a 3-year follow-up period, starting at the initiation of hormonal therapy. Data were analyzed cross-sectionally and prospectively. Over the first three months, we observed a decline in positive affect (PA) in both TM and TW. Thereafter, PA reached a steady state in TW, whereas in TM there was also a second decline at 18 months. In both TM and TW there was no persisting difference comparing baseline to the 36-months results. Concerning negative affect (NA), we observed a decline during the first year in TM, which sustained during the second year and was not different anymore at 36 months compared to baseline. In TW though, we did not find any change of NA during the entire follow-up. Even if some of these results show significant differences, they should be considered with caution, since there was no control group and the absolute differences are small. No association between affect and the level of sex steroids was observed. Baseline QoL and psychological burden are related to affect independently from gender but are not necessarily good predictors of the evolution of one's affect during the gender-affirming process. Further research is necessary to investigate these preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Matthys
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (I.M.); (J.D.)
| | - Justine Defreyne
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (I.M.); (J.D.)
| | - Els Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Alessandra Daphne Fisher
- Andrology, Women’s Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Baudewijntje P. C. Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.); (M.D.H.)
| | - Annemieke Staphorsius
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.); (M.D.H.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Den Heijer
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.); (M.D.H.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guy T’Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
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13
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Defreyne J, Elaut E, Kreukels B, Fisher AD, Castellini G, Staphorsius A, Heijer MD, Heylens G, T’Sjoen GG. OR27-05 Sexual Desire Changes in Transgender Individuals upon Initiation of Hormone Treatment; Results from the Longitudinal ENIGI Study. J Endocr Soc 2020. [PMCID: PMC7207496 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Several steps in the transitioning process may affect sexual desire in transgender people. This is often underexposed by those providing gender affirming care. Testosterone therapy in transgender men (TM) generally leads to increasing frequency of desire, masturbation, sexual fantasies and arousal. Studies in transgender women (TW) are inconclusive: some report an increase in the prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire after initiation of hormone therapy, whereas others have shown a positive impact of hormonal therapy on sexual quality of life. The current study prospectively assesses sexual desire during the first three years of hormonal therapy (HT) in transgender people. Methods: This prospective cohort study was part of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI). Sexual desire was prospectively assessed in 766 participants (401 TW, 364 TM) by Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI) during a three-year follow-up period, starting at the initiation of hormone treatment (HT). SDI scores were analyzed as total, dyadic and solitary SDI scores. At baseline, psychological questionnaires were administered. Sex steroids were measured at each follow-up visit. Data were analyzed cross-sectionally and prospectively. Results: In TW, total, dyadic and solitary SDI scores decreased during the first three months of HT. However, after 36 months, total and dyadic SDI scores were higher than baseline scores. Solitary scores after 36 months were comparable to baseline scores. In TM, total, dyadic and solitary SDI scores increased over the first three months, remaining stable thereafter. However, total and dyadic SDI scores after thirty-six months were comparable to baseline scores, whereas solitary scores remained higher than baseline. Factors associated with a prospective increase in SDI scores included having undergone gonadectomy, no longer experiencing vaginal bleedings (in TM) or higher gender dysphoria levels at baseline (in TM only). Factors associated with higher cross-sectional SDI scores included being in a relationship, undergoing gonadectomy, no longer experiencing vaginal bleedings (TM), lower gender dysphoria scores (TW only) and lower body dysphoria scores (TW only). Conclusion: Gender affirming hormonal therapy induces short-term changes in sexual desire in transgender people. Over a longer period of time, a net increase in dyadic sexual desire in TW receiving feminizing HT was observed. Sexual desire scores comparable to baseline in TM receiving virilizing HT were found. We observed no correlation between sexual desire and absolute serum testosterone levels. However, other factors, including undergoing gonadectomy, persistence of vaginal bleedings (in TM) and psychological factors may influence sexual desire in transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Els Elaut
- Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Defreyne J, Elaut E, Kreukels B, Fisher AD, Castellini G, Staphorsius A, Den Heijer M, Heylens G, T'Sjoen G. Sexual Desire Changes in Transgender Individuals Upon Initiation of Hormone Treatment: Results From the Longitudinal European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence. J Sex Med 2020; 17:812-825. [PMID: 32008926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several steps in the transitioning process may affect sexual desire in transgender people. This is often underexposed by those providing gender-affirming care. AIM To prospectively assess sexual desire during the first 3 years of hormonal therapy (HT) in transgender people. METHODS This prospective cohort study was part of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence. At baseline, different psychological questionnaires were administered. Sex steroids were measured at each follow-up visit. Data were analyzed cross-sectionally and prospectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Prospective analysis of total, dyadic (with another person), and solitary (with oneself) sexual desire in 766 participants (401 transgender women [TW], 364 transgender men [TM]) was carried out using the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI) questionnaire during a 3-year follow-up period, starting at the initiation of HT. Other factors associated with prospective changes were assessed. RESULTS In TW, total, dyadic, and solitary SDI scores decreased during the first 3 months of HT. However, after 36 months, total and dyadic SDI scores were higher than baseline scores. Solitary scores after 36 months were comparable with baseline scores. In TM, total, dyadic, and solitary SDI scores increased over the first 3 months, remaining stable thereafter. However, total and dyadic SDI scores after 36 months were comparable with baseline scores, whereas solitary scores remained higher than baseline. Factors associated with a prospective increase in SDI scores included having undergone gonadectomy, no longer experiencing menstrual bleeding or higher gender dysphoria levels at baseline (in TM only). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study offers clear data on the time course of sexual desire after starting HT and thereby helps to inform people who want to start HT. Transgender people can be informed that changes in sexual desire after initiating HT are temporary. Over a longer period of time, the current research does not suggest induction of hypoactive sexual disorder in TW or long-term increased sexual desire in TM. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS Strengths include the prospective design of this large multicentric study, the well-defined cohort, controlling for HT, sex steroids, and other factors. Limitations include performing a data lock, the absence of an objective measure of sexual desire, and the timing of laboratory measurements. CONCLUSION Gender-affirming HT only induces short-term changes in sexual desire in transgender people. Over a longer period of time, a net increase in dyadic sexual desire in TW receiving feminizing HT and sexual desire scores comparable with baseline in TM receiving virilizing HT, were observed. Defreyne J, Elaut E, Kreukels B, et al. Sexual Desire Changes in Transgender Individuals Upon Initiation of Hormone Treatment: Results From the Longitudinal European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence Study. J Sex Med 2020;17:812-825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Defreyne
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Els Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Baudewijntje Kreukels
- Department of Psychology and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Daphne Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annemieke Staphorsius
- Department of Endocrinology and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Den Heijer
- Department of Endocrinology and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Defreyne J, Kreukels B, T'Sjoen G, Heylens G, Elaut E. PO-01-023 Sexual desire in transgender persons in relation with gender affirming hormone treatment. Results from ENIGI, a large multicenter prospective cohort study in transgender people. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Defreyne J, Kreukels B, T'Sjoen G, Den Heijer M, Elaut E. PS-01-001 Is anger intensity related to serum testosterone levels and/or exogenous testosterone therapy? Results from ENIGI, a large multicenter prospective cohort study in transgender people. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Kerckhof M, Kreukels B, Nieder T, Becker I, van de Grift T, Heylens G, Elaut E. HP-02-001 The relation between sexual dysfunction and sexual pleasure in transgender individuals: results from the ENIGI follow-up study. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Defreyne J, Arcelus J, Bouman W, Brewin N, Elaut E, Kreukels B, Heylens G, Den Heijer M, T'sjoen G. SAT-014 No Correlation between Serum Testosterone Levels and Aggression or Anger Intensity in Transgender People: Results from Five European Centres. J Endocr Soc 2019. [PMCID: PMC6551958 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-sat-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: Anger is a state of emotions ranging from irritation to intense rage. Aggression is the externalization of anger through destructive/punitive behaviour. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care, Edition 7 (SOC7) guidelines warn about aggression in transgender men (TM) on testosterone treatment. We aimed to assess whether aggression and anger intensity increase in TM and decrease in transgender women (TW) after initiation of gender affirming hormone therapy and to identify predictors for anger intensity in transgender people, including levels of sex steroids as well as psychological measurements. METHODS: Prospective changes in aggression were measured at baseline and after one year of gender affirming hormones in 155 transgender persons (64 TM, 91 TW), using the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32) factor ‘too aggressive’. State-level anger intensity was prospectively assessed in 898 participants (440 TM, 468 TW) by the STAXI-2 (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2) State Anger (S-Anger) questionnaire during a three-year follow-up period, starting at the initiation of hormone treatment (testosterone in TM, oestrogens plus anti-androgens in TW). At baseline, psychological questionnaires were administered. Data were analysed cross-sectionally and prospectively. RESULTS: No prospective changes were reported in ‘too aggressive’ scores (after one year of hormone therapy) and S-Anger scores (over 3, 12 and 36 months of hormone therapy) in TM and TW. ‘Too aggressive’ scores were positively correlated to increasing anxiety scores in the entire study population and with lower support from friends in TW. At three, twelve and thirty-six months of gender affirming hormone therapy, anger intensity was not correlated to serum testosterone levels, although there was a correlation with various psychological measures after three and twelve months. TM experiencing menstrual spotting after three months had higher S-Anger scores compared to those without (median 26.5 [18.0 - 29.8] versus 15.0 [15.0 - 17.0], P=0.020). Changes in STAXI-2 S-Anger scores were not correlated to changes in serum testosterone levels after three, twelve and thirty-six months in TM or TW. CONCLUSIONS: Aggression and state-level anger intensity are associated with psychological and/or psychiatric vulnerability or the persistence of menses in TM, but not with exogenous testosterone therapy in TM or serum testosterone levels in both TM and TW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jon Arcelus
- The Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health, Nottingham, , United Kingdom
| | - Walter Bouman
- The Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health, Nottingham, , United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Brewin
- The Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health, Nottingham, , United Kingdom
| | - Els Elaut
- Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, , Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Guy T'sjoen
- Dept of Endo, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, , Belgium
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Defreyne J, Kreukels B, T'Sjoen G, Staphorsius A, Den Heijer M, Heylens G, Elaut E. No correlation between serum testosterone levels and state-level anger intensity in transgender people: Results from the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence. Horm Behav 2019; 110:29-39. [PMID: 30822410 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anger is a state of emotions ranging from irritation to intense rage. Aggression implies externalizing anger through destructive/punitive behaviour. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care, Edition 7 (SOC7) guidelines warn about aggression in transgender men (TM) on testosterone treatment. We aimed to assess whether anger intensity increases in TM and decreases in transgender women (TW) after initiation of gender affirming hormone therapy and to identify predictors for anger intensity in transgender people. METHODS This prospective cohort study was part of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI). Anger intensity was prospectively assessed in 898 participants (440 TM, 468 TW) by STAXI-2 (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2) State Anger (S-Anger) during a three-year follow-up period, starting at the initiation of hormone treatment. Data were analysed cross-sectionally and prospectively. RESULTS There was no change in STAXI-2 S-Anger scores. At three, twelve and thirty-six months of gender affirming hormone therapy, STAXI-2 S-Anger scores were not correlated to serum testosterone levels, although there was a correlation with various psychological measures after three and twelve months. TM experiencing menstrual spotting after three months had higher STAXI-2 S-Anger scores compared to those without (median 26.5 [18.0-29.8] versus 15.0 [15.0-17.0], P = 0.020). Changes in STAXI-2 S-Anger scores were not correlated to changes in serum testosterone levels after three, twelve and thirty-six months in TM or TW. CONCLUSIONS State-level anger intensity is associated with psychological and/or psychiatric vulnerability, but not exogenous testosterone therapy or serum testosterone levels in transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Defreyne
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Baudewijntje Kreukels
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, Department of Psychology and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Center for Sexology and Gender, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemieke Staphorsius
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, Department of Endocrinology and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Den Heijer
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, Department of Endocrinology and Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Ghent University Hospital, Center for Sexology and Gender, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Elaut
- Ghent University Hospital, Center for Sexology and Gender, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Köhler A, Becker I, Richter-Appelt H, Cerwenka S, Kreukels B, van de Grift T, Elaut E, Heylens G, Nieder TO. Behandlungserfahrungen und soziale Unterstützung bei Personen mit Geschlechtsinkongruenz/Geschlechtsdysphorie: Eine ENIGI 5-Jahres-Follow-Up-Studie in drei europäischen Ländern. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2019; 69:339-347. [DOI: 10.1055/a-0806-6892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Geschlechtsdysphorie (GD) bezeichnet einen Leidensdruck, der sich aus der Inkongruenz zwischen körperlichen Geschlechtsmerkmalen und dem Erleben des eigenen Geschlechts ergeben kann (Geschlechtsinkongruenz, GI). Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Zusammenspiel von medizinischer Behandlung und sozialer Unterstützung, das bisher nur unzureichend im Langzeitverlauf untersucht wurde.
Material & Methoden Die vorgestellte Studie untersuchte n=117 Personen mit einem männlichen und n=52 mit einem weiblichen Zuweisungsgeschlecht, die sich wegen GI/GD in dem Zeitraum zwischen 2007 bis 2009 im Rahmen des European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) an drei Spezialambulanzen in Belgien, der Niederlande und Deutschland gewandt hatten, und 4–6 Jahre nach der Erstvorstellung mittels eines Online-Fragebogens nachbefragt wurden. Mit Hilfe zweier hierarchischer Regressionsanalysen wurden der Einfluss des Geschlechts, des Behandlungsfortschrittes und der sozialen Unterstützung zum einen auf die psychische Belastung und zum anderen auf die Lebenszufriedenheit der Teilnehmenden untersucht.
Ergebnisse Im ersten Modell waren ein weibliches Zuweisungsgeschlecht und eine bessere soziale Unterstützung signifikante Prädiktoren für eine verringerte psychische Belastung. Außerdem waren im zweiten Modell der individuelle Behandlungsfortschritt und eine ausgeprägtere soziale Unterstützung statistisch signifikant für die Vorhersage einer erhöhten Lebenszufriedenheit.
Diskussion Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass über die körpermedizinische Behandlung hinaus die soziale Unterstützung eine wesentliche Rolle im Rahmen des geschlechtsangleichenden Prozesses spielt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Köhler
- Institut für Sexualforschung und Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Inga Becker
- Institut für Sexualforschung und Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, -psychotherapie und -psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Hertha Richter-Appelt
- Institut für Sexualforschung und Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Susanne Cerwenka
- Institut für Sexualforschung und Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Baudewijntje Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology / Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tim van de Grift
- Department of Medical Psychology / Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Els Elaut
- Center of Sexology and Gender, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gunter Heylens
- Center of Sexology and Gender, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Timo Ole Nieder
- Institut für Sexualforschung und Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
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van de Grift TC, Elaut E, Cerwenka SC, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Kreukels BPC. Surgical Satisfaction, Quality of Life, and Their Association After Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Follow-up Study. J Sex Marital Ther 2018; 44:138-148. [PMID: 28471328 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2017.1326190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the outcomes of gender-affirming surgery (GAS, or sex-reassignment surgery) 4 to 6 years after first clinical contact, and the associations between postoperative (dis)satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). Our multicenter, cross-sectional follow-up study involved persons diagnosed with gender dysphoria (DSM-IV-TR) who applied for medical interventions from 2007 until 2009. Of 546 eligible persons, 201 (37%) responded, of whom 136 had undergone GAS (genital, chest, facial, vocal cord and/or thyroid cartilage surgery). Main outcome measures were procedure performed, self-reported complications, and satisfaction with surgical outcomes (standardized questionnaires), QoL (Satisfaction With Life Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, Cantril Ladder), gender dysphoria (Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale), and psychological symptoms (Symptom Checklist-90). Postoperative satisfaction was 94% to 100%, depending on the type of surgery performed. Eight (6%) of the participants reported dissatisfaction and/or regret, which was associated with preoperative psychological symptoms or self-reported surgical complications (OR = 6.07). Satisfied respondents' QoL scores were similar to reference values; dissatisfied or regretful respondents' scores were lower. Therefore, dissatisfaction after GAS may be viewed as indicator of unfavorable psychological and QoL outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim C van de Grift
- a Department of Medical Psychology , Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, and Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Els Elaut
- b Center of Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Susanne C Cerwenka
- c Department of Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis
- d Department of Medical Psychology , Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Baudewijntje P C Kreukels
- d Department of Medical Psychology , Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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van de Grift TC, Elaut E, Cerwenka SC, Cohen-Kettenis PT, De Cuypere G, Richter-Appelt H, Kreukels BP. Effects of Medical Interventions on Gender Dysphoria and Body Image: A Follow-Up Study. Psychosom Med 2017; 79:815-823. [PMID: 28319558 PMCID: PMC5580378 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study from the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence is to investigate the status of all individuals who had applied for gender confirming interventions from 2007 to 2009, irrespective of whether they received treatment. The current article describes the study protocol, the effect of medical treatment on gender dysphoria and body image, and the predictive value of (pre)treatment factors on posttreatment outcomes. METHODS Data were collected on medical interventions, transition status, gender dysphoria (Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale), and body image (Body Image Scale for transsexuals). In total, 201 people participated in the study (37% of the original cohort). RESULTS At follow-up, 29 participants (14%) did not receive medical interventions, 36 hormones only (18%), and 136 hormones and surgery (68%). Most transwomen had undergone genital surgery, and most transmen chest surgery. Overall, the levels of gender dysphoria and body dissatisfaction were significantly lower at follow-up compared with clinical entry. Satisfaction with therapy responsive and unresponsive body characteristics both improved. High dissatisfaction at admission and lower psychological functioning at follow-up were associated with persistent body dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Hormone-based interventions and surgery were followed by improvements in body satisfaction. The level of psychological symptoms and the degree of body satisfaction at baseline were significantly associated with body satisfaction at follow-up.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexual functioning is an important concern for women in the postpartum period. The aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction before and after childbirth. METHODS Between November 2013 and April 2014, 109 women in their third trimester of pregnancy were enrolled in a prospective cohort study at Ghent University Hospital. Dyspareunia, sexual functioning and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated at enrolment and again 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Sexual functioning and QOL were assessed using validated self-report questionnaires: the Female Sexual Function Index and the Short Form-36 health survey. Dyspareunia was evaluated by a specific self-developed questionnaire. RESULTS One hundred and nine women were enrolled; respectively, 71 (65.1%), 66 (60.6%) and 64 (58.7%) women returned the questionnaires prepartum, and 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Sexual functioning at 6 weeks was predictive of sexual functioning at 6 months postpartum (rs = 0.345, p = .015). The prevalence of dyspareunia in the third trimester of pregnancy, and 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum was, respectively, 32.8%, 51.0% and 40.7%. The severity of pain decreased significantly between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum (p = .003). In the first 6 weeks postpartum, the degree of dyspareunia was significantly associated with breastfeeding (p = .045) and primiparity (p = .020). At 6 months, only the association with primiparity remained significant (p = .022). CONCLUSIONS The impaired postpartum sexual functioning, the high prevalence of dyspareunia postpartum and their impact on QOL indicate the need for further investigation and extensive counselling of pregnant women, especially primiparous women, about sexuality after childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbet Lagaert
- a Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Steven Weyers
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Helena Van Kerrebroeck
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Els Elaut
- c Centre for Sexuality and Gender, Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Elaut
- Centre for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
Since the beginning of contemporary transition-related care at the outset of the 20th century, sexual orientation has ben considered to be closely connected with gender identity and the developmental trajectories of trans people. Specifically, health professionals have regarded the anticipated post-transitional heterosexual behaviour of trans adults as predictive of a good outcome of cross-sex hormones and gender-confirming surgeries. This article reviews the current literature according to the question of whether the sexual orientation of trans people is linked to outcome measures following transition-related interventions. A comprehensive review was undertaken using the Medline database, searching for empirical studies published between 2010 and 2015. Out of a total of 474 studies, only 10 studies reported a follow-up of trans adults and assessed sexual orientation in the study protocol at all. Sexual orientation was predominantly assessed as homosexual versus non-homosexual related to sex assigned at birth. Only one 1 of 10 follow-up studies found a significant association according to the outcome between groups differentiated by sexual orientation. Empirically there is no link between sexual orientation and outcome of transition-related health care for trans adults. In order to provide comprehensive health care, we recommend asking for sexual behaviours, attractions and identities, as well as for gender experiences and expressions; however, this knowledge should not drive, but simply inform, such comprehensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo O Nieder
- a Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Centre Hamburg, Department for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry , University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) , Germany
| | - Els Elaut
- b Centre for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital , Belgium
| | - Christina Richards
- c Nottingham Centre for Gender Dysphoria , Nottingham , UK ;,d Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic , London , UK
| | - Arne Dekker
- a Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Centre Hamburg, Department for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry , University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) , Germany
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Beek TF, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Bouman WP, de Vries ALC, Steensma TD, Witcomb GL, Arcelus J, Richards C, Elaut E, Kreukels BPC. Gender Incongruence of Adolescence and Adulthood: Acceptability and Clinical Utility of the World Health Organization's Proposed ICD-11 Criteria. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160066. [PMID: 27776134 PMCID: PMC5077108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently updating the tenth version of their diagnostic tool, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD, WHO, 1992). Changes have been proposed for the diagnosis of Transsexualism (ICD-10) with regard to terminology, placement and content. The aim of this study was to gather the opinions of transgender individuals (and their relatives/partners) and clinicians in the Netherlands, Flanders (Belgium) and the United Kingdom regarding the proposed changes and the clinical applicability and utility of the ICD-11 criteria of 'Gender Incongruence of Adolescence and Adulthood' (GIAA). A total of 628 participants were included in the study: 284 from the Netherlands (45.2%), 8 from Flanders (Belgium) (1.3%), and 336 (53.5%) from the UK. Most participants were transgender people (or their partners/relatives) (n = 522), 89 participants were healthcare providers (HCPs) and 17 were both healthcare providers and (partners/relatives of) transgender people. Participants completed an online survey developed for this study. Most participants were in favor of the proposed diagnostic term of 'Gender Incongruence' and thought that this was an improvement on the ICD-10 diagnostic term of 'Transsexualism'. Placement in a separate chapter dealing with Sexual- and Gender-related Health or as a Z-code was preferred by many and only a small number of participants stated that this diagnosis should be excluded from the ICD-11. In the UK, most transgender participants thought there should be a diagnosis related to being trans. However, if it were to be removed from the chapter on "psychiatric disorders", many transgender respondents indicated that they would prefer it to be removed from the ICD in its entirety. There were no large differences between the responses of the transgender participants (or their partners and relatives) and HCPs. HCPs were generally positive about the GIAA diagnosis; most thought the diagnosis was clearly defined and easy to use in their practice or work. The duration of gender incongruence (several months) was seen by many as too short and required a clearer definition. If the new diagnostic term of GIAA is retained, it should not be stigmatizing to individuals. Moving this diagnosis away from the mental and behavioral chapter was generally supported. Access to healthcare was one area where retaining a diagnosis seemed to be of benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titia F Beek
- Department of Medical Psychology & Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis
- Department of Medical Psychology & Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Walter P Bouman
- Nottingham Centre for Gender Dysphoria, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Annelou L C de Vries
- Department of Medical Psychology & Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas D Steensma
- Department of Medical Psychology & Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gemma L Witcomb
- School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Arcelus
- Nottingham Centre for Gender Dysphoria, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Els Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Baudewijntje P C Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology & Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van de Grift TC, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Elaut E, De Cuypere G, Richter-Appelt H, Haraldsen IR, Kreukels BPC. A network analysis of body satisfaction of people with gender dysphoria. Body Image 2016; 17:184-90. [PMID: 27137814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In gender dysphoria (GD), much of the experienced distress results from body dissatisfaction. The current study analyzed the configuration of body satisfaction in trans men and women using network analysis. In total, 485 individuals diagnosed with GD from four European countries, applying for medical treatment, filled out the Body Image Scale for Transsexuals. A six-factor model reflecting different body areas was confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis. A further configuration of body satisfaction was modelled using correlation network analysis techniques in R. Genital dissatisfaction showed limited connection with other body areas in comparison to other subscales. Body characteristics influencing social gender recognition were most centrally involved in body (dis)satisfaction in both natal sexes. In trans women these characteristics were related mostly to voice and hair, whereas in trans men these characteristics were related to muscularity and posture. Focusing on these socially influential body characteristics may provide important targets for transgender healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C van de Grift
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P T Cohen-Kettenis
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Elaut
- Center of Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - G De Cuypere
- Center of Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Richter-Appelt
- Department of Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I R Haraldsen
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - B P C Kreukels
- Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Dekker M, Wierckx K, Van Caenegem E, Klaver M, Kreukels B, Elaut E, Fisher A, van Trotsenburg M, Schreiner T, den Heijer M, T'Sjoen G. A European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence: Endocrine Part. J Sex Med 2016; 13:994-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.03.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Van Caenegem E, Wierckx K, Elaut E, Buysse A, Dewaele A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, De Cuypere G, T'Sjoen G. Prevalence of Gender Nonconformity in Flanders, Belgium. Arch Sex Behav 2015; 44:1281-7. [PMID: 25588709 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0452-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Gender nonconformity refers to the extent to which a person's gender identity, gender role and/or gender expression differs from the cultural norms prescribed for people of a particular sex, within a certain society and era. Most data on gender nonconformity focus on the prevalence of gender dysphoria (which also includes a distress factor) or on the number of legal sex changes. However, not every gender nonconforming individual experiences distress or applies for treatment. Population-based research on the broad spectrum of gender nonconformity is scarce and more information on the variance outside the gender binary is needed. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of gender incongruence (identifying stronger with the other sex than with the sex assigned at birth) and gender ambivalence (identifying equally with the other sex as with the sex assigned at birth) based on two population-based surveys, one of 1,832 Flemish persons and one of 2,472 sexual minority individuals in Flanders. In the general population, gender ambivalence was present in 2.2 % of male and 1.9 % of female participants, whereas gender incongruence was found in 0.7 % of men and 0.6 % of women. In sexual minority individuals, the prevalence of gender ambivalence and gender incongruence was 1.8 and 0.9 % in men and 4.1 and 2.1 % in women, respectively. With a current Flemish population of about 6 million, our results indicate a total of between 17,150 and 17,665 gender incongruent men and between 14,473 and 15,221 gender incongruent women in Flanders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Van Caenegem
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Elaut E, Buysse A, Caen M, Vandamme J, Vermeire K, T'Sjoen G. Contraceptive use in Flanders (Belgium): A comparison between a general population sample and a Turkish ethnic minority sample. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2015; 20:283-95. [PMID: 25712536 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2015.1015717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify contraceptive profiles, and factors affecting these, among women of childbearing age, living in Flanders. METHODS The prevalence of knowledge and use of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) and contraceptive use is assessed in two samples from the SEXPERT-survey 'Sexual health in Flanders': (i) a population-based sample (n = 724); and (ii) a probability sample of respondents of Turkish descent (n = 216). RESULTS Knowledge, but not use, of the ECP is significantly lower among women from the ethnic minority sample, even after correction for income and educational background. A lower educational level is associated with less knowledge of the ECP in both samples. In the general population sample, 16% of sexually active women of childbearing age are at risk of an unplanned pregnancy, compared to 14% of their peers of Turkish origin. These rates are comparable, even after controlling for the different socio-economic status (income and educational level) in both samples. CONCLUSIONS Contraceptive profiles of sexually active women of Turkish descent residing in Flanders are mostly similar to those of their counterparts in the general population. Further research is required to develop strategies to improve ECP-knowledge among women with lower educational achievements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Elaut
- * Centre for Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
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Elaut E, Buysse A, De Sutter P, Gerris J, De Cuypere G, T'Sjoen G. Cycle-Related Changes in Mood, Sexual Desire, and Sexual Activity in Oral Contraception-Using and Nonhormonal-Contraception-Using Couples. J Sex Res 2014; 53:125-136. [PMID: 25420716 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2014.976780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Findings on women's sexuality across the menstrual cycle are inconsistent. One relatively consistent finding is a midcycle and premenstrual peak in sexual desire in freely cycling women. Results on the cycle-related effects on sexual behavior are less clear. Large proportions of reproductive-aged women use combined oral contraception (COC), but studies on potential cycle-related shifts in sexual desire and behavior are sparse. A prospective diary study assessed sexual desire, sexual behavior, and mood in 89 heterosexual couples. Women were using one of four contraceptive methods: (1) nonhormonal contraception, (2) low-dose COC containing 20 mcg ethinylestradiol and 75 mcg gestoden or desogestrel, (3) COC containing 35 mcg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg cyproteronacetate, and (4) COC containing 30 mcg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone. No cycle effects of sexual desire were established in the COC group, but frequency of sexual intercourse declined in the last days of active pill taking. These results were similar in both female and male partners. Negative affect did not covary with sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Elaut
- a Centre for Sexology and Gender Problems , Ghent University Hospital
| | - Ann Buysse
- b Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology , Ghent University
| | - Petra De Sutter
- c Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology , Ghent University Hospital
| | - Jan Gerris
- c Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology , Ghent University Hospital
| | - Griet De Cuypere
- a Centre for Sexology and Gender Problems , Ghent University Hospital
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- a Centre for Sexology and Gender Problems , Ghent University Hospital
- d Department of Endocrinology , Ghent University Hospital
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Heylens G, Elaut E, Kreukels BPC, Paap MCS, Cerwenka S, Richter-Appelt H, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Haraldsen IR, De Cuypere G. Psychiatric characteristics in transsexual individuals: multicentre study in four European countries. Br J Psychiatry 2014; 204:151-6. [PMID: 23869030 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.112.121954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into the relationship between gender identity disorder and psychiatric problems has shown contradictory results. AIMS To investigate psychiatric problems in adults fulfilling DSM-IV-TR criteria for a diagnosis of gender identity disorder. METHOD Data were collected within the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders (n = 305). RESULTS In 38% of the individuals with gender identity disorder a current DSM-IV-TR Axis I diagnosis was found, mainly affective disorders and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, almost 70% had a current and lifetime diagnosis. All four countries showed a similar prevalence, except for affective and anxiety disorders, and no difference was found between individuals with early-onset and late-onset disorder. An Axis II diagnosis was found in 15% of all individuals with gender identity disorder, which is comparable to the general population. CONCLUSIONS People with gender identity disorder show more psychiatric problems than the general population; mostly affective and anxiety problems are found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Heylens
- Gunter Heylens, MD, Els Elaut, MSc, Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium; Baudewijntje P. C. Kreukels, PhD, Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Muirne C. S. Paap, PhD, Department of Research Methodology, Measurement and Data Analysis, Behavioural Sciences, Susanne Cerwenka, Mr.Sc, Hertha Richter-Appelt, PhD, Department of Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; Peggy T. Cohen-Kettenis, PhD, Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Hospital Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Ira R. Haraldsen, MD, PhD, Department of Neuropsychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, Rikshospitalet Oslo, Norway; Griet De Cuypere, MD, PhD, Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium
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Wierckx K, De Zaeytijd J, Elaut E, Heylens G, T'Sjoen G. Bilateral non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy in a transsexual woman using excessive estrogen dosage. Arch Sex Behav 2014; 43:407-409. [PMID: 24057212 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We present a case report on a 53-year-old transsexual woman who developed acute painless vision loss in both eyes during cross-sex hormone treatment. After 10 months of cross-sex hormone treatment, she experienced total vision loss of the right eye and, 6 months later, vision loss to 20/63 in the left eye. After a full ophthalmic exam, bilateral sequential non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-ION) was diagnosed. Extensive etiological work-up revealed no cardiac abnormalities or inherited blood-clotting disorders. A manifest self-administered overdose of transdermal estrogen treatment with serum estradiol levels of 5,765 pg/ml was possibly related to the sequential bilateral NA-ION resulting in nearly total vision loss in this transsexual woman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Wierckx
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, 6K12 I.E., De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium,
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Wierckx K, Elaut E, Van Hoorde B, Heylens G, De Cuypere G, Monstrey S, Weyers S, Hoebeke P, T'Sjoen G. Sexual Desire in Trans Persons: Associations with Sex Reassignment Treatment. J Sex Med 2014; 11:107-18. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Wierckx K, Elaut E, Declercq E, Heylens G, De Cuypere G, Taes Y, Kaufman JM, T'Sjoen G. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease and cancer during cross-sex hormone therapy in a large cohort of trans persons: a case-control study. Eur J Endocrinol 2013; 169:471-8. [PMID: 23904280 DOI: 10.1530/eje-13-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the short- and long-term cardiovascular- and cancer-related morbidities during cross-sex hormone therapy in a large sample of trans persons. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A specialist center cross-sectional study compared 214 trans women (male-to-female transsexual persons) and 138 trans men (female-to-male trans persons) with an age- and gender-matched control population (1-3 matching). The participants were on cross-sex hormone therapy for an average of 7.4 years. We assessed physical health and possible treatment-related adverse events using questionnaires. RESULTS Five percent of trans women experienced venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism during hormone therapy. Five of these adverse events occurred during the first year of treatment, while another three occurred during sex reassignment surgery. Trans women experienced more myocardial infarctions than the control women (P=0.001), but a similar proportion compared with control men. The prevalence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) was higher in trans women than in the control men (P=0.03). The rates of myocardial infarction and CVD in trans men were similar to the control male and female subjects. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was higher in both trans men and women than in their respective controls, whereas the rates of cancer were similar compared with the control men and women. CONCLUSION Morbidity rate during cross-sex hormone therapy was relatively low, especially in trans men. We observed a higher prevalence of venous thrombosis, myocardial infarction, CVD, and type 2 diabetes in trans women than in the control population. Morbidity rates in trans men and controls were similar, with the exception of the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
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Heylens G, De Cuypere G, Zucker KJ, Schelfaut C, Elaut E, Vanden Bossche H, De Baere E, T'Sjoen G. Gender identity disorder in twins: a review of the case report literature. J Sex Med 2012. [PMID: 22146048 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of gender identity disorder (GID) remains largely unknown. In recent literature, increased attention has been attributed to possible biological factors in addition to psychological variables. AIM To review the current literature on case studies of twins concordant or discordant for GID. METHODS A systematic, comprehensive literature review. RESULTS Of 23 monozygotic female and male twins, nine (39.1%) were concordant for GID; in contrast, none of the 21 same-sex dizygotic female and male twins were concordant for GID, a statistically significant difference (P=0.005). Of the seven opposite-sex twins, all were discordant for GID. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a role for genetic factors in the development of GID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Heylens
- Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Heylens G, De Cuypere G, Zucker KJ, Schelfaut C, Elaut E, Vanden Bossche H, De Baere E, T'Sjoen G. Gender identity disorder in twins: a review of the case report literature. J Sex Med 2011; 9:751-7. [PMID: 22146048 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02567.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of gender identity disorder (GID) remains largely unknown. In recent literature, increased attention has been attributed to possible biological factors in addition to psychological variables. AIM To review the current literature on case studies of twins concordant or discordant for GID. METHODS A systematic, comprehensive literature review. RESULTS Of 23 monozygotic female and male twins, nine (39.1%) were concordant for GID; in contrast, none of the 21 same-sex dizygotic female and male twins were concordant for GID, a statistically significant difference (P=0.005). Of the seven opposite-sex twins, all were discordant for GID. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a role for genetic factors in the development of GID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunter Heylens
- Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Wierckx K, Van Caenegem E, Elaut E, Dedecker D, Van de Peer F, Toye K, Weyers S, Hoebeke P, Monstrey S, De Cuypere G, T'Sjoen G. Quality of Life and Sexual Health after Sex Reassignment Surgery in Transsexual Men. J Sex Med 2011; 8:3379-88. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02348.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Elaut E, Buysse A, De Sutter P, De Cuypere G, Gerris J, Deschepper E, T'Sjoen G. Relation of androgen receptor sensitivity and mood to sexual desire in hormonal contraception users. Contraception 2011; 85:470-9. [PMID: 22133661 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since very little research in this field is available, this study aims to assess the role of psychosexual, relationship, hormonal and genetic measures in the sexual desire of users of three hormonal contraceptive products [low-dose combined oral contraceptive (20 mcg ethinylestradiol/150 mcg desogestrel), progestin-only pill (75 mcg desogestrel) and vaginal ring (daily dose of 15 mcg ethinylestradiol/120 mcg etonogestrel)]. STUDY DESIGN Fifty-five couples were randomized over three groups in which the women consecutively used each product during 3 months. Both partners repeatedly filled out questionnaires on solitary and dyadic sexual desire (desire to behave sexually by oneself or towards a partner). Total and free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and a genetic marker of androgen receptor sensitivity [cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeat length] were assessed on blood samples of the female partners. RESULTS Sexual desire was higher in women with either short or long CAG repeats (solitary, p=.004; dyadic, p=.008). Desire levels were higher during vaginal ring use (solitary, p=.018; dyadic, p=.007). The woman's mood was found to impact her dyadic sexual desire (p<.001); this scale was also strongly associated with the male partner's dyadic sexual desire (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS The current study found evidence for a role of androgen receptor sensitivity and mood in the sexual desire of hormonal contraceptive users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Elaut
- Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent, Belgium.
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Wierckx K, Van Caenegem E, Pennings G, Elaut E, Dedecker D, Van de Peer F, Weyers S, De Sutter P, T'Sjoen G. Reproductive wish in transsexual men. Hum Reprod 2011; 27:483-7. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Wierckx K, Elaut E, Van Caenegem E, Van De Peer F, Dedecker D, Van Houdenhove E, T'Sjoen G. Sexual desire in female-to-male transsexual persons: exploration of the role of testosterone administration. Eur J Endocrinol 2011; 165:331-7. [PMID: 21602316 DOI: 10.1530/eje-11-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe sexual desire in female-to-male transsexual persons post sex reassignment surgery (SRS). The associations between serum androgen levels and sexual desire are examined. DESIGN Single center cross-sectional study. METHODS Forty-five female-to-male transsexual persons post SRS completed a standardized questionnaire assessing sexual desire (Sexual Desire Inventory). In addition, participants were asked questions on sexual desire before starting hormone treatment and having SRS. Serum levels of testosterone, LH and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured on fasting morning serum samples. RESULTS In retrospect, 73.9% of the participants reported an increase in sexual desire after hormone treatment and SRS. Solitary sexual desire scores were significantly correlated with frequency of masturbation (r=0.835; P<0.001), whereas frequency of sexual intercourse with a partner was not. No direct associations were found between testosterone and solitary or dyadic sexual desire. However, ANOVA showed an independent effect of LH on solitary sexual desire (P<0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed that female-to-male transsexual persons with elevated levels of LH, indicating suboptimal testosterone therapy, reported significantly lower solitary sexual desire levels (than those with low LH levels; P=0.007). Suppressed LH levels were also associated with having a higher need for sexual activities (P=0.009) and a higher frequency of excessive sexual desire (P=0.007). CONCLUSION Most female-to-male transsexual persons report on a marked increase in sexual desire after testosterone treatment and SRS. No direct associations between levels of testosterone and solitary or dyadic sexual desire were found. However, measures of sexual desire were inversely associated with LH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Wierckx
- Department of Endocrinology Center for Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Enzlin P, Weyers S, Janssens D, Poppe W, Eelen C, Pazmany E, Elaut E, Amy JJ. Sexual functioning in women using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems as compared to copper intrauterine devices. J Sex Med 2011; 9:1065-73. [PMID: 21492401 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02266.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been little research published on the impact of intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) methods on sexual functioning. AIMS This study aimed: (i) to assess different aspects of sexual functioning, including the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women using a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS); (ii) to compare this prevalence with that among copper-releasing intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) users; and (iii) to identify the relationship between psychological variables and sexual functioning in women using one of the aforementioned IUCs. METHODS In a multicenter cross-sectional study, 845 women with an IUC were invited to fill out a questionnaire. The latter was returned by 402 (48%) of them: 353 women were LNG-IUS users (88%) and 49 were Cu-IUD users (12%). The questions asked pertained to depression, well-being, marital relation quality, and sexual functioning. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual functioning was measured with the short sexual functioning scale. RESULTS One-third of LNG-IUS users (33%) reported a sexual dysfunction. Of those, 20% reported an increased sexual desire, 25% a decreased sexual desire, 5% arousal problems, and 8% orgasm problems. Women using a LNG-IUS did not differ significantly in distribution, type, or prevalence (32.9% vs. 36.7%) of sexual dysfunction, nor in depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory score; 4.7 vs. 3.9; P = 0.33), general well-being (WHO-5 well-being scale score; 16.8 vs. 17.7; P = 0.170), or partner relationship quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale score; 107 vs. 108; P = 0.74) compared to Cu-IUD users. Overall, the perceived influence of IUCs on sexual functioning was in the lower range and did not differentiate LNG-IUS greatly from Cu-IUD-users. CONCLUSION Women using a LNG-IUS do not differ from those wearing a Cu-IUD with regard to psychological and sexual functioning. The perceived impact of IUD use on sexuality should not be overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Enzlin
- Catholic University Leuven-Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Leuven, Belgium.
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Inoubli A, De Cuypere G, Rubens R, Heylens G, Elaut E, Van Caenegem E, Menten B, T'Sjoen G. Karyotyping, Is It Worthwhile in Transsexualism? J Sex Med 2011; 8:475-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02130.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Elaut E, Bogaert V, De Cuypere G, Weyers S, Gijs L, Kaufman JM, T'Sjoen G. Contribution of androgen receptor sensitivity to the relation between testosterone and sexual desire: An exploration in male-to-female transsexuals. J Endocrinol Invest 2010; 33:37-41. [PMID: 19620824 DOI: 10.1007/bf03346547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low sexual desire is present in 1/3 of male-to-female transsexuals (post-operative male-to-female transsexual persons on estrogen replacement). Several studies report lower endogenous testosterone (T) levels in this group compared to community dwelling women. However, no relationship between T and sexual desire has been found in male-to-female transsexuals. Considering its role in androgen sensitivity, cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeat sequence in the androgen receptor (AR) might modify the relationship between T levels and sexual desire in male-to-female transsexuals. AIM This study aims to assess the potential contribution of the number of CAG repeats in the association between T and sexual desire in male-to-female transsexuals. MATERIAL, SUBJECTS, AND METHODS: Thirty-four post-operative male-to-female transsexuals participated in a cross-sectional study. The Sexual Desire Inventory, a questionnaire measuring sexual desire, was completed. Serum levels of total (TT) and free T (FT), DHEA-S, SHBG, and LH were measured in morning blood samples. AR gene CAG repeat length was determined by automated DNA fragment analysis of exon 1 of the AR gene. RESULTS The CAG repeat length ranged from 14 to 28 with a median of 21. CAG polymorphism was correlated with FT (r=0.389; p=0.023) but not with TT (r=0.191; p=0.280). The observed interaction between TT and CAG was significant only for solitary sexual desire (p=0.002). The interaction of CAG repeats and FT on sexual desire failed to reach significance. CONCLUSIONS We could not establish that CAG repeat length is a consistent modulating factor in the relationship between TT or FT and sexual desire in male-to-female transsexuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Elaut
- Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent, Belgium
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Weyers S, Elaut E, De Sutter P, Gerris J, T'Sjoen G, Heylens G, De Cuypere G, Verstraelen H. Long-term Assessment of the Physical, Mental, and Sexual Health among Transsexual Women. J Sex Med 2009; 6:752-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01082.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Elaut E, De Cuypere G, De Sutter P, Gijs L, Van Trotsenburg M, Heylens G, Kaufman JM, Rubens R, T'Sjoen G. Hypoactive sexual desire in transsexual women: prevalence and association with testosterone levels. Eur J Endocrinol 2008; 158:393-9. [PMID: 18299474 DOI: 10.1530/eje-07-0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An unknown proportion of transsexual women (defined as post-operative male-to-female transsexuals on oestrogen replacement) experience hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). It has been suggested that the absence of ovarian androgen production together with oestrogen treatment-related increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels could be leading to HSDD, due to low levels of biologically available testosterone. This study wishes to document the HSDD prevalence among transsexual women and the possible association to androgen levels. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Transsexual women (n=62) and a control group of ovulating women (n=30) participated in this study. Questionnaires measuring sexual desire (sexual desire inventory) and relationship and sexual satisfaction (Maudsley Marital Questionnaire) were completed. Serum levels of total testosterone, LH and SHBG were measured in blood samples obtained at random in transsexual women and in the early follicular phase in ovulating women. RESULTS The transsexual group had lower levels of total and calculated free testosterone (both P<0.001) than the ovulating women. HSDD was reported in 34% of the transsexual and 23% of the ovulating women (P=0.30). Both groups reported similar levels of sexual desire (P=0.97). For transsexual women, no significant correlation was found between sexual desire and total (P=0.64) or free testosterone (P=0.82). In ovulating women, these correlations were significant (P=0.006, resp. P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS HSDD is reported in one-third of transsexual women. This prevalence is not substantially different from controls, despite markedly lower (free) testosterone levels, which argues against a major role of testosterone in this specific group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Elaut
- Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
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De Cuypere G, Elaut E, Heylens G, Van Maele G, Selvaggi G, T’Sjoen G, Rubens R, Hoebeke P, Monstrey S. Long-term follow-up: psychosocial outcome of Belgian transsexuals after sex reassignment surgery. Sexologies 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2006.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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