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Özer M, de Kruif AJTCM, Gijs LACL, Kreukels BPC, Mullender MG. Sexual Wellbeing according to Transgender Individuals. Int J Sex Health 2023; 35:608-624. [PMID: 38601805 PMCID: PMC10903571 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2227172] [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] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective Sexual wellbeing is an important aspect of quality-of-life. In transgender individuals who seek gender affirming treatment, various aspects of sexuality have been assessed. However, not much is known on how transgender individuals themselves perceive sexual wellbeing. This study aims to explore the perception of sexual wellbeing in transgender-individuals (an emic-perspective). Methods To explore sexual wellbeing from an emic perspective, qualitative interviews with transgender individuals were conducted, recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive coding and thematic analysis were used to assess topics and themes pertaining to sexual wellbeing. Results Based on interviews wih15 participants (19-74 years) with diverse self-identified genders, four main themes, relating to sexual wellbeing were derived: (1) given description of sexual wellbeing, (2) conditions for sexual wellbeing, (3) factors affecting sexual wellbeing, and (4) experienced sexual wellbeing. Conclusion Positive experiences, feeling comfortable with body/self, intimacy, acceptation and communication with partner appeared helpful to overcome hurdles and experience sexual wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Müjde Özer
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anja J. T. C. M. de Kruif
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Lifestyle, School of Allied Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Luk A. C. L. Gijs
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Baudewijntje P. C. Kreukels
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margriet G. Mullender
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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