More gynecologists opening minds, offices to transgender patients

[Shana A]

More gynecologists opening minds, offices to transgender patients

By Nicole Brochu, Staff writer
5:31 p.m. EST, January 2, 2012

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/fl-transgender-ob-gyn-20111224,0,1906147.story

Like many in his community, S.F. Makalani-MaHee spent a lifetime avoiding doctors — particularly the gynecologist, a physician who specializes on an area of the body that has always felt foreign to him.

Born a female but identifying as a man, the Fort Lauderdale community activist dreams of having surgery to complete a transition fulfilled in every other way but one: He still has a woman's genitalia. Changing that would mean going to the doctor and risking the very experiences he has long dreaded: ugly incidents that experts and studies say are all too common for the transgender community.

In an effort to improve the quality of and access to health care for what it calls "a small but substantial population," the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is urging OB/GYNs to create a more open, welcoming environment for transgender patients.

[ApproachingMars]

The person I go to for gynecological concerns figured me out when I had my name changed.
"Is there anything else you're going to be having changed?"
".-_.- Yes."
"One thing I've learned is that a lot of you avoid regular pelvic exams. Do you want one now?"
"... .-_.- OK."

[Felix]

I don't even feel dysphoric or avoidant about pelvic exams - I experienced pregnancy, which often kills modesty - but I've had trouble accessing care because of transphobic gynecologists. People being mean makes me not want to go in for regular checkups. It's heartening to hear that some doctors are becoming friendlier toward us.

Incidentally, I think the picture they used for the story was kind of unfortunate, in that it's really not representative of the average transgendered person.

[SandraJane]

What to do when a transgender man needs his pap smear? More OB/GYNs become transgender friendly as awareness grows

    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published paper urging OB/GYNs to be more transgender friendly
    Nearly 30 per cent of transgender community fears treatment

By Beth Stebner | Last updated at 2:29 AM on 6th January 2012



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082909/What-transgender-man-needs-pap-smear-More-OB-GYNs-transgender-friendly-awareness-grows.html#ixzz1iwR0w6EC


   

Common bond: Both Chaz Bono (left) and Rajee Narinesingh (right) are members of the transgender community. Some are afraid to go to a doctor for fear of discrimination or ridicule

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082909/What-transgender-man-needs-pap-smear-More-OB-GYNs-transgender-friendly-awareness-grows.html#ixzz1iwSVdTvi



Transgendered men have been in a limbo of sorts for years, identifying with males and looking like them, but having the sexual organs of - and needing treatment for - the female reproductive system.

Because of these dilemmas, many female-to-male transgender have postponed going to the doctor to avoid being the subject of belittling, unprofessional conduct from both doctors and nurses, and in two per cent of cases, violence and physical harassment from staff.

But a board focusing on female health is hoping to change all that by advising OB/GYNs across the country to create a more accepting environment for the community.

[Keaira]

One guy told me that when he get's his done, the results come back inconclusive.