Surgical management and gynecologic care of the transgender patient

Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Aug;31(4):228-234. doi: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000553.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Over 1.4 million adults are identified as transgender in 2014. Many of these individuals have undergone, or plan to undergo, gender-affirming surgery. This review summarizes the medical and surgical options available for the transgender population and reviews screening guidelines and fertility preservation options. In addition, it highlights the role gynecologists have in caring for this population.

Recent findings: Gynecologists perform certain gender-affirming surgeries, such as hysterectomies and bilateral salpingooophorectomies. They also can play an important role in providing hormone therapy, anatomy specific cancer screening, and discussion of and/or referral for fertility preservation.

Summary: Gynecologists are skilled to perform certain gender-affirming surgeries and play an important role in gender-affirming care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation
  • Gynecology / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Penis / surgery
  • Physician's Role
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Salpingo-oophorectomy
  • Scrotum / surgery
  • Sex Reassignment Procedures / methods*
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Vagina / surgery