Men at the Gynaecologists

Written by Graziella Scerri

Some might think I am crazy but yes, you’ve read the right title. If you are waiting in line for yourself, accompanying a female individual to get tested in a gynaecologist clinic, or else you are a medical professional in a hospital or a clinic and you observe a man waiting for his turn please do not act as surprised or confused. Here is a short explanation why.

Several transmasculine people or better known as trans gender male, together with non-binary individuals who were born as females might still have a uterus and cervix. Individuals forming part of a gender minority having a cervix should receive cervical cancer screening same as cisgender women.

Unfortunately, transgender men and non-binary individuals having uterus and cervix do not keep up to date with cervical cancer screening and frequent smear tests as much as cisgender women do. Necessary care is avoided by many since they experience endless discrimination and negative, traumatic experiences while seeking health care. This makes up to nearly one-quarter of nonbinary and transgender individuals who avoid such healthcare due to fear of being mistreated according to their gender. Missing gynae visits will lead to a lot of concerning issues such as cervical cancer, Sexually Transmitted Disease or any other abnormal indications.

Just like cisgender individuals, nonbinary and transgender people attain various sexual practices. Transmen can be engaging in penile-vaginal intercourse. Although periods stop due to hormonal intake, there is still a small possibility of getting pregnant. Testosterone is NOT an adequate contraceptive for those not desiring to conceive, thus ways of contraception need to be discussed and consulted with the professionals.

Lack of cultural capability to care for nonbinary and transgender patients is experienced, considering that most staff or providers make assumptions that all clients are cisgender and the encouragement for the social world to conform with these norms. Such clinics have the responsibility to create a welcoming, supportive and safe space for nonbinary and transgender individuals. This includes training the staff with cultural competencies such as adapting to preferred names and pronoun, using the term ‘front hole’ instead of vagina and ensure that intake forms refrain from cisgender expectations.

The sad reality is that to date medical professionals in Malta are not trained with this knowledge. Thankfully, the Malta Medical Student’s Association which is a non-governmental organisation aiming to reinforce the education for future medical professionals, make up for this by organising workshops focusing on LGBTIQ+ health and sensitivity in the clinic.

Let’s get real. Since we are referring about a pelvic exam, sometimes even cisgender women might be anxious or experience trauma and discomfort during the process. Thus, one can only imagine what a trigger it might be for someone with bottom or gender dysphoria.

Some tips that will ease the process of such exam include telling your doctor about your preferred pronouns during the consultation and take a supportive person to the appointment with you. Medical professionals should respect this and just in case they don’t, please do seek other alternatives. Remember that your own heath is important and you have all the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

Source(s):

Crissman, H., & Stroumsa, D. (2020). Gynecologic care considerations for transmasculine people. Contemporary OB/GYN Journal, 65(8), 64(8).