“To find someone who knows anything about gay trans men is very hard. I mean even a lot of credible health people I’ve talked to who know a lot about trans people, trans women and trans men, are really misinformed when it comes to gay trans.”

Only recently has there been some development around trans health needs in regards to medical care. In the last few years there have been some studies around the risks of hormone usage, the sexual health of transpeople and HIV/STI prevention. Still, there is a huge gap of information/research and most medical professionals have very little knowledge about the sexual health needs of trans men, specifically gay/bi/queer trans men.

In addition to the lack of research is the reality that trans men often have extremely bad experiences with health professionals who disrespect their bodies or identities, who don’t listen, who discount their sexual health needs or risks, or who simply don’t know enough about trans men to offer useful care (i.e. don’t know what testosterone does, don’t understand that trans men can be at risk for HIV or STIs, etc.) For this reason it is important that you inform yourself about your own health needs so you can assert them with your doctor.

Health Care for trans men

• If you are having sex you should consider getting tested for STIs and HIV on a regular basis. This might be uncomfortable at the time but a lot of STIs can be treated and it is important to know what is going on with your body.
• trans men should have regular pap smears even if you have had your cervix removed (if there is a history of cervical cancer) and especially if you are having unsafe frontal sex.

If You Are Taking Testosterone:

• Pap smears are also important because testosterone usage can cause changes in the cervix that should be medically monitored.
• You should also consider having fairly regular blood work (tests to determine hormone levels, cholesterol, white blood cells and other things). You can ask for an HIV test to be done at the same time. If you are concerned about your anonymity, there are clinics that do anonymous testing.

Things to Think About When You Are Accessing Medical Care:

• Be clear about your symptoms, health issues and the medication you are taking (including testosterone). It may be difficult for you to discuss certain body parts but the doctor will be unable to treat you effectively if you are not clear.
• If you are having a pap smear think about what might make you more comfortable. You can ask the doctor to explain what they are doing or be totally silent.
• Remember that your doctor is there to treat you with respect and compassion. You are not their guinea pig or medical anomaly. You do not have to let them touch you in ways that make you uncomfortable or respond to questions that are none of their business/not medically necessary. They can’t be expected to know everything but it is fair that they show you the same respect and compassion as they would any other patient.
• If you have a bad experience with a doctor you are free to leave or change doctors. This is obviously easier to do in big cities where there are more options.
• Do your own research. Unfortunately, a lot of us are not lucky enough to have doctors or caregivers who are knowledgeable about our bodies or trans issues. Check the links section of the webpage.
• The internet is a really good place to get answers to particular health questions. A lot of medical information is passed through informal networks, like listserves, Yahoo! groups and liveJournal communities. You need to be careful with this information because the majority of people who will respond will not be doctors or medical experts and in some cases, the information they give you might be wrong or possibly damaging to your health. That being said, they will frequently be able to offer support, share their personal experiences, give you some insight, help you with questions you should ask your doctor, and give you other resources.