Improving Primary and Gynecological Care in Transmasculine Patients

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the healthcare experiences of transmasculine individuals in primary and gynecological care settings. An online, anonymous survey was conducted to gather insights into positive and adverse encounters, factors influencing care-seeking behaviors, and strategies for improving care delivery in this population. Methods: A survey was administered between June 1st and July 23rd, 2023, recruiting participants from three LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare offices in South Jersey and via Reddit. Data analysis involved SPSS to gain information from 499 valid responses. Results: The majority of participants (55%) were aged 18-24, with 51% identifying as transgender men. Over two-thirds (68.5%) had undergone medical transition procedures. Findings highlighted insufficient provider training in transgender healthcare needs (59.3%) and misgendering practices (26%) contributing to discomfort and deterrence from seeking care. Only 48.7% of respondents saw a primary care provider regularly, with 52.7% expressing that correct name and pronoun usage would positively impact their experience. Regarding gynecological care, 68.7% did not receive preventative care, citing dysphoria as the primary deterrent (49.7%). Main causes of discomfort at the gynecologist included a lack of gender-affirming imagery (18%), waiting room experiences (18.0%), and heteronormative assumptions about sexual activity (17%). Conclusion: This study provides insights into the healthcare experiences of transmasculine individuals in primary and gynecological care settings, emphasizing the need for LGBTQ+ inclusivity and provider training to enhance patient comfort and engagement in care. Future research should address racial disparities in participation and explore interventions to improve healthcare access and quality for transmasculine people of color.