RESUMO
Over the past decade, ways of defining self in relation to gender identity and forms of expression have widely expanded. Along with this expansion of identifying language, there has been an increase in medical professionals and clinics specializing in providing gender care. Yet many barriers to providing this care still exist for clinicians-including their comfort with and knowledge about collecting and retaining a patient's demographic information, respecting the name and pronouns a patient goes by, and providing overall ethical care. This article shares one transgender person's numerous health care encounters over 20 years as both a patient and a professional.
Assuntos
Pessoas Transgênero , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Identidade de Gênero , Pessoal de Saúde , PacientesRESUMO
Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in patients ages 35 to 44, but risk persists as individuals age. Among patients who are regularly screened via the Pap test, cancer is rare and death rates have dropped dramatically in the United States. Nevertheless, access to regular screening can be difficult for transgender men (individuals assigned female at birth but with a male gender identity) due to misinformation, discomfort scheduling appointments, fear of being mistreated or of refused services, lack of insurance, and clinicians' lack of knowledge. This narrative explores 6 barriers to cervical cancer screening for transgender men and offers recommendations for eliminating cervical cancer inequality.
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde/normas , Detecção Precoce de Câncer , Pessoas Transgênero/psicologia , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/diagnóstico , Detecção Precoce de Câncer/ética , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/prevenção & controleRESUMO
It is not uncommon for transgender patients to avoid sharing information about their identity and medical history with health care professionals, due to past negative experiences within health care settings. Professionals who show sensitivity to the topic and express care about health record documentation can increase a transgender patient's trust. There are many opportunities to increase transgender health literacy, including consultation, conferences, webinars, books, and articles focused on transgender health care. It's critical for professionals to listen closely to individual patients' stated needs. This article shares one transgender patient's encounters and experiences within health care settings and offers lessons on how health care professionals can be more inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the needs of transgender patients.