Transidentity
Dear fellow caregivers,
You have a transgender patient.
Here is a list of useful information to know in the context of their medical care.
General Information
● Transidentity can concern women as well as men. It can be men who consider themselves women or women who consider themselves men.
● Sexual identity and sexual orientation are two different things.
● Gender reassignment usually requires many medical appointments, especially in the case of surgery or hormone therapy. But these people often experience a lot of discrimination.
Communication
● Many members of the “trans” community prefer the term “transgender” to “transsexual”. The term “trans person” can also be used. In addition, “transgender” is not used as a noun, but as an adjective.
● It is also appropriate to use the personal pronoun that refers to the person’s gender, even when talking about events in the past and even if it differs from the one on the medical record.
● Trans people don’t like to hear: “He/she has had a sex change. Individuals who are transitioning do not change their sex, but they are bringing their appearance into line with who they are and how they feel.
● Outing is the act of revealing a person’s sexual identity or orientation without consent.
● The question of gender should only be asked when necessary.
● Transgendered people are more likely to be affected by certain illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or cardiovascular disease.
Eating habits
| ● Hormone therapy may include estrogen and anti-androgens in trans women and testosterone in trans men. |
| ● Eating disorders are more common in trans people, although they are little studied. Gender dysphoria (distress related to the loss of identity landmarks) and body dissatisfaction are possible causes. |
Pregnancy and motherhood
● A transgender man can carry a pregnancy to term and give birth just like any woman, if he has preserved his ovaries and uterus.
● Pregnant transgender men often lack counselling and are therefore more likely to experience depression.
● A discussion about contraception may be necessary after the birth.
● Approximately 51% of transgender men can breastfeed their babies, even if they have had breast surgery.
Examples
This section allows us to share experiences. Feel free to share yours with the community.
Sources :
adheos.org – Qu’est-ce que la transidentité ?
Infirmiers.com – Comment améliorer la prise en charge des personnes transgenres ?
RTL.fr – Transgenres : guide pour en parler en évitant les maladresses et la transphobie
15-38 Méditerranée – Parcours de soins des personnes trans : quelle place accorder à la psychiatrie ?
fr.amenajari.org – Troubles de l’alimentation chez les personnes transgenres
Pourquoidocteur.fr – Les hommes transgenres enceints encourent un risque accru de dépression