Sexual Health for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals: Routine Examination, Sexually-Transmitted Infection Screening, and Prevention

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2024 Jun;51(2):405-424. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2024.02.010. Epub 2024 Apr 4.

Abstract

Gynecologists play a critical role in the office evaluation of transgender and gender diverse individuals. This includes the provision of essential healthcare services including the treatment and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually-transmitted infections and screening for human papillomavirus infection-related diseases and cancers. Caring for patients who identify as transgender or gender diverse (TGD) and who have undergone gender-affirming surgical treatments is challenging due in part to clinical gaps in knowledge resulting from insufficient training and educational resources. A patient-centered approach to the care of TGD individuals requires knowledge of the general principles of affirming, holistic care with attention to the risk factors, and anatomic considerations unique to this population. This review aims to provide basic knowledge needed for the successful gynecologic evaluation of a gender diverse patient.

Keywords: Gender diverse; Gynecology; HIV; HPV; Sexual health; Sexually transmitted infection; Transgender.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Papillomavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Papillomavirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Sexual Health*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Transgender Persons*