Went to the doctor today, exciting or awkward?

[AJarrah]

So, I went to the doctor today to have some paperwork filled out for work. It turned into a routine checkup, which was perfectly fine. Probably well needed. So we're discussing health issues, checking off symptoms and whether or not I've had them. We get to the part where I'm in the age range that testicular cancer peaks. He asks me if I do testicular exams on myself. I told him no, and he gave me a basic rundown. Then furthermore, went into telling me about prostate exams later down the line in life. My fiancee sat there just listening, but was looking at me like I should tell him that I'm a little "different" than his average male patient. I decided not to tell him anything, and just listen to the spiel on testicular and penile cancer. When I moved here, it was in hopes that nobody would ever again have to know about my issue. I have him as my primary care doctor, and a separate doctor for my HRT stuff that runs my labs every few months, so on and so forth. I figure I can go to her for the things that are T related, and him for the things that are irrelevant.

What do you all think? Would you keep your doctors separate and take the "male treatment", or fill in the new doctor even with the separate doctor for the HRT side of things?

Just curious what other guys would do, I know I'm keeping them separate.

[GentlemanRDP]

That's definitely an interesting experience, though I bet the look on his face would have been priceless with a mention of, "I don't have balls..." But anyway...

For me, I only have one doctor, she is my primary care physician and I go to her for both HRT related business, along with everything else; pap smears and so on, ugh...So obviously, she knows. But when I move (Which I will do in the next seven years) I do plan on doing more or less the same thing, if I can. I intend to get one doctor who can deal with everything that I need. I'd rather not deal with two doctors, and if I get to the point where I need to, then I will tell my primary care that I am a biological female...to get all of those regrettable 'female' exams and stuff taken care of. Just because I can't get testicular or penile cancer doesn't mean that I want to get it in my uterus (While I still have it)

[Simon]

I've always been and will always be open with medical professionals. I have never had any issues with being denied service or confidentiality breaches. When asked what medications I am currently on I will always mention testosterone. I don't like thinking about it either but it is a substance I have to put in my body every ten days.

I don't know if the spikes in T I get with injections could cause issues with certain medications or whatever. For myself, I'd rather be on the safe side.

[John Smith]

I still go to the same doc that originally referred me to the gender clinic, but if I moved, I'd definitely want to keep my new doc in the loop.

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

Your GP should know all the meds and things you take and do, to make sure you are safe, no?

[henrytwob]

I actually completely understand your desire not to let the GP "in the loop". Historically there have been issues with health care providers either not providing care or beng rude. Hopefully that is in the past. I think it is important that your medical provider know everything. Full disclosure can ensure better care. For example, once on T your cardiac risk profile will resemble a man's more than a woman's, that suggests you will start being screen for high cholesterol earlier, etc.

Additionally if this doctor is not glbt friendly ( and where I live there are conservative docs who don't want to deal with this), the time to find that out is now - not when you are seriously ill.

[AJarrah]

If it's anything related to the medication, I talk to the other doctor. This one was for IBS that I've had for over 7 years, no reason for him to know about it. As long as my HRT doctor does my labs every couple months and emails me on a regular basis, I have no problem keeping the other one oblivious.

[Jeatyn]

I personally will always make sure doctors are aware that I'm trans - I am listed as male but there is a thing that pops up and informs them of the situation when they pull up my notes. Within that note there is a reminder telling them that I flat out refuse to get pap smears or anything to do with internal examinations - so don't even bother asking, don't mention the lowers unless I bring them up  if there's a problem, I will let somebody know xD

Don't get me wrong I totally understand where you're coming from - especially considering you have a separate doctor to deal with trans stuff, I don't really have that option because I'm using the NHS, we pretty much get what we're given. It would be nice to be able to go to the docs for something simple without them having to know about the status of my genitals 

For me though, I have enough health problems to worry about without wondering if one day they will miss something important or give me an incorrect diagnosis because they aren't aware that I am biologically female/taking testosterone. For example clots and DVT run in my family (more like gallop, pretty much everyone has issues) - I'm already at a high risk, and taking T makes that risk even higher. So while getting a blood clot technically has nothing to do with being trans, they interact with each other in such a way that they become relevant to each other, if that makes sense.