What is gender-affirming health care? Why is it important?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines gender-affirming health care (GAC) as “care [that] can include any single or combination of a number of social, psychological, behavioral or medical (including hormonal treatment or surgery) interventions designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity.”
The importance of access to GAC is paramount in the ability of gender queer individuals to not only receive care but also be affirmed in their identity which ensures a greater quality of life. In the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey 48% of respondents had at least one negative encounter with a healthcare provider related to being transgender, and 24% reported not seeking healthcare treatment out of fear of mistreatment.
What aspects of GAC can PTs provide?
The most obvious may be in the case of pre/post-surgical support, such as top or bottom surgery, to optimize function and minimize pain. Although there has been a rise in access to surgical care, many transgender and non-binary individuals do not pursue surgery but do choose to take hormones. For all those receiving some sort of hormonal treatment there may be pelvic health implications to undergoing a shift in the dominant hormone in the body. Also, as the dominant hormone shifts, general muscle and body composition changes might lead to some musculoskeletal pain or joint dysfunction anywhere in the body.
For an Assigned Female at Birth individual taking testosterone, the genitals may undergo changes that could lead to irritability, lack of stretch, pain with sexual activity, changes in bladder/bowel function, or genital/pelvic pain. There may also be growth of the erectile tissue which may be desired but could be painful if the surrounding tissue is not able to accommodate.
For an Assigned Male at Birth individual taking estrogen, the genitals may undergo changes leading to difficulty with erectile function or bladder control. There may also be a change to the muscle tone and sense of support for the pelvis in general.
Outside of the pelvis, individuals might face difficulties with posture/breathing/pain related to binding the chest. Regardless of the impairments or challenges individuals are facing, our therapists at Cornerstone will work with individuals to develop a plan of care to maximize their quality of life and improve their overall health and wellness.
