Desired decision-making role and treatment satisfaction among trans people during medical transition: results from the ENIGI follow-up study.

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.

It Might Take Time: A Study on the Evolution of Quality of Life in Individuals With Gender Incongruence During Gender-Affirming Care.

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.

Aftercare Needs Following Gender-Affirming Surgeries: Findings From the ENIGI Multicenter European Follow-Up Study.

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.

Sexual Desire Changes in Transgender Individuals Upon Initiation of Hormone Treatment: Results From the Longitudinal European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence.

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.

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.

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.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions in Transgender Persons: Results from the ENIGI Follow-Up Study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies about sexual functioning in trans persons have mainly focused on sexual functioning after genital gender-affirming surgery, have had small sample sizes, and have not explored the broad range of possible sexual dysfunctions. Measuring sexual functioning in trans persons during transitioning is important to determine the kind of care trans persons may need in order to regain their sexual health. AIM: The first aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of sexual function disturbances and dysfunctions (with distress) in trans women and trans men 4 to 6 years after initial clinical entry. The second aim was to compare the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among the various treatment trajectories and between trans persons with or without further genital treatment intentions. METHODS: An online follow-up questionnaire was filled out by 518 trans persons (307 identifying predominantly feminine, 211 identifying predominantly masculine) as a part of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence initiative. All participants had their initial clinical appointments in gender clinics in Ghent, Amsterdam, or Hamburg. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures were the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and medical treatment data, measured via self-report items. RESULTS: The most frequent sexual dysfunctions experienced by trans women and trans men were difficulties initiating and seeking sexual contact (26% and 32%, respectively) and difficulties achieving an orgasm (29% and 15%, respectively). Compared with trans women after hormone treatment and non-genital surgery, trans women after vaginoplasty less often experienced arousal difficulties, sexual aversion, and low sexual desire. Compared with trans men without medical treatment, trans men after a phalloplasty experienced sexual aversion and low sexual desire less often. No significant differences were found between participants with or without further genital treatment intentions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should consider sexual counseling after medical treatments, paying particular attention to potential social and psychological barriers to the sexual health of their patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This study included all trans persons irrespective of treatment decisions, and focused on a broad range of potential sexual difficulties taking the distress criteria into account. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, the limited power for the comparison of treatment groups and the absence of validated questionnaires about sexual functioning for transgender persons. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunctions among trans men and women were very common among the various treatment groups and were unrelated to intentions to have further genital treatment. Although medical treatment may be helpful or even essential to developing good sexual health, a significant group of trans persons experienced sexual dysfunctions after genital surgery. Kerckhof ME, Kreukels BPC, Nieder TO, et al. Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions in Transgender Persons: Results from the ENIGI Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2019; 16:2018-2019.

[Treatment Experiences and Social Support in Individuals with Gender Incongruence/Gender Dysphoria - A ENIGI 5 Year Follow-Up Study in Three European Countries]. / Behandlungserfahrungen und soziale Unterstützung bei Personen mit Geschlechtsinkongruenz/Geschlechtsdysphorie: Eine ENIGI 5-Jahres-Follow-Up-Studie in drei europäischen Ländern.

INTRODUCTION: Gender Dysphoria (GD) refers to a distress resulting from an incongruence between the individual's sex characteristics and the experience of their gender (Gender Incongruence, GI). The interaction between medical treatment of GI/GD and social support in the long-term has not been investigated sufficiently so far. MATERIAL & METHODS: Using an online questionnaire, the present study investigated n=117 individuals with GI/GD assigned male and n=52 assigned female at birth that had been referred to one of the specialized clinics of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI) in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.They filled out a questionnaire at 2 time points within a follow-up time of 4 to 6 years after clinical entry (between 2007 and 2009). Two hierarchical regression analyses explored the effects of the sex assigned at birth, the treatment progress and social support on mental distress and satisfaction with life at follow-up in the sample. RESULTS: A female sex assigned at birth and higher degrees of social support significantly predicted the reduction in mental distress at follow-up. An advanced stage of the individual treatment and higher social support significantly predicted an increase in overall satisfaction with life. DISCUSSION: The results illustrate the importance of social support with regard to the outcome of medical treatment of GI/GD.

Surgical Satisfaction, Quality of Life, and Their Association After Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Follow-up Study.

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.

Effects of Medical Interventions on Gender Dysphoria and Body Image: A Follow-Up Study.

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.

Postpartum dyspareunia and sexual functioning: a prospective cohort study.

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.

Sexual orientation of trans adults is not linked to outcome of transition-related health care, but worth asking.

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.

Prevalence of Gender Nonconformity in Flanders, Belgium.

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.

Contraceptive use in Flanders (Belgium): A comparison between a general population sample and a Turkish ethnic minority sample.

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.

Psychiatric characteristics in transsexual individuals: multicentre study in four European countries.

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.

Sexual desire in trans persons: associations with sex reassignment treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Sex steroids and genital surgery are known to affect sexual desire, but little research has focused on the effects of cross-sex hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery on sexual desire in trans persons. AIM: This study aims to explore associations between sex reassignment therapy (SRT) and sexual desire in a large cohort of trans persons. METHODS: A cross-sectional single specialized center study including 214 trans women (male-to-female trans persons) and 138 trans men (female-to-male trans persons). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, frequency of sexual desire, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: In retrospect, 62.4% of trans women reported a decrease in sexual desire after SRT. Seventy-three percent of trans women never or rarely experienced spontaneous and responsive sexual desire. A third reported associated personal or relational distress resulting in a prevalence of HSDD of 22%. Respondents who had undergone vaginoplasty experienced more spontaneous sexual desire compared with those who planned this surgery but had not yet undergone it (P = 0.03). In retrospect, the majority of trans men (71.0%) reported an increase in sexual desire after SRT. Thirty percent of trans men never or rarely felt sexual desire; 39.7% from time to time, and 30.6% often or always. Five percent of trans men met the criteria for HSDD. Trans men who were less satisfied with the phalloplasty had a higher prevalence of HSDD (P = 0.02). Trans persons who were more satisfied with the hormonal therapy had a lower prevalence of HSDD (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: HSDD was more prevalent in trans women compared with trans men. The majority of trans women reported a decrease in sexual desire after SRT, whereas the opposite was observed in trans men. Our results show a significant sexual impact of surgical interventions and both hormonal and surgical treatment satisfaction on the sexual desire in trans persons.

Bilateral non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy in a transsexual woman using excessive estrogen dosage.

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.

Exploring Care Needs of Partners of Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals in Co-Transition: A Qualitative Interview Study.

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.

Daily Sexual Behavior, Sexual Esteem, and Body Image in Transgender and Cisgender Individuals.

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.

Experienced barriers of care within European treatment seeking transgender individuals: A multicenter ENIGI follow-up study.

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.