Cuq J, Jurek L, Morel-Journel N, Oriol S, Neuville P.
Int J Transgend Health. 2023 Dec 14;25(4):888-895. doi: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2283529. eCollection 2024.
PMID: 39465082
Abstract:
Introduction: Gynecological primary care is a public health issue, however, there is no French data on the transmasculine population, despite identified needs and a low coverage rate described in the international literature. The objective was to analyze the access of the French transmasculine population to gynecological primary care.
Methods: The study "Trans men and Transmasculine non-binary individuals use and access to prevention and sexual health care 2022" is a non-interventional, self-administrated, anonymous online study targeting transmasculine adults living in France. Participants were recruited via social networks, LGBTQIA + associations, the FPATH and a caregivers network.
Results: A total of 622 surveys were included, the participants were mostly young (mean age: 25 years old), single (77%), students (40%), owners or tenants (73%) and living in large cities (47%). Among them, 77% had a cross-sex hormonal therapy, 41% underwent a torsoplasty and 6% a pelvic surgery. Only 26% of the participants had an up-to-date follow-up, while 40% never had access to a gynecological consultation. Only a quarter (26%) of the 25-65 years old population, targeted by secondary prevention for cervical cancer, had at least one cervical test in their lifetime. Moreover, regarding feedbacks about gynecological follow-up, they expressed its pertinence but also reported a low comfort level.
Conclusions: This study highlighted the low access to gynecological primary care of a young transmasculine population in France. There is an urgent need of follow-up within this population, by increasing the education of health professionals and developing prevention programs.
Keywords: Gynecology; primary care access; trans men; transmasculine.
