By: Plume Community Member
In today’s world, gender-affirming health care is more important than ever. Transgender and nonbinary individuals face unique obstacles and discrimination in our health care experiences, which is why it is essential that we have access to gender-affirming health care options.
Gender-affirming health care is a form of health care that is tailored to the needs of transgender and nonbinary patients. It can range from hormone therapy to gender confirmation surgery. In this article, we will discuss the different kinds of gender-affirming health care options available to transgender and nonbinary patients, as well as how to access these options and the importance of having them available. With more understanding, acceptance, and access to gender-affirming health care, Plume is dedicated to ensuring a better future for transgender and nonbinary people.
What is gender-affirming health care?
The term “gender-affirming health care” is used to describe health care options that are tailored to the needs of transgender and nonbinary individuals. This type of health care allows transgender and nonbinary individuals to feel more comfortable during their health care experiences by meeting their specific health care needs. For example, it can be hard for transgender patients to find a doctor who knows how to meet their health care needs, especially if they are seeking a specific treatment, like gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, sometimes called HRT).
Plume was co-founded by Dr. Jerrica Kirkley (she/her), a trans woman. She knew from personal experience that transgender people might feel more comfortable in a doctor’s office if that office is vocal about supporting the trans community, familiar with transgender and/or nonbinary patients, and informed about the unique health care needs of our community. At Plume, your Care Team specializes in gender-affirming health care. Your team members have firsthand or lived experience in transgender care and are also trained in the needs of transgender and nonbinary individuals. They know how to best meet your health care needs, and they are aware of the barriers that you might face both inside and outside the clinic.
Common types of gender-affirming health care options
Hormone therapy – If you are a transgender or nonbinary person who wants to transition, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) can help you meet your goals. During hormone therapy, you will be given medications that change the levels of hormones in your body. Your Plume Care Team will determine the best dosage of hormones for you based on your body’s needs.
If you are a transgender nonbinary individual, you may also want to consider taking blockers or antiandrogen therapy to reduce the amount of androgens in your body. Androgens are naturally occurring hormones that affect many different parts of the body, including the reproductive system and the brain. Antiandrogen therapy can help lower the amount of androgens in your system so that you can feel less masculine.
Gender confirmation or gender-affirming surgery – If you are a transgender or nonbinary individual who wishes to have a different set of body parts, you may want to pursue gender confirmation surgery. This operation will change your genitals, chest, or other body parts so that they are more in line with your gender identity.
One type of gender-affirming surgery is the medically supervised removal of certain reproductive organs. If you are a transgender or nonbinary individual who wants to remove your reproductive organs, Plume can support you while you prepare for your surgery. This type of surgery will remove your reproductive organs, such as your uterus or testicles. These surgeries are known as a hysterectomy or orchiectomy.
How to access gender-affirming health care
If you need gender-affirming health care, you can get started today! Plume is gender-affirming health care for and by transgender people. If you are a transgender or nonbinary individual who wants to access gender-affirming health care, it can be helpful to know how to navigate the health care system.
If you already have a primary care doctor and you’re ready to begin your gender transition, that doctor is likely the first place you may want to turn to. Your primary care doctor can help you determine what kinds of health care options are best for you. If you need to see a specialist, you can also consult your primary care doctor to find a specialist in your area who specializes in gender-affirming health care. Additionally, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that the internet can be a helpful resource for transgender and nonbinary individuals who want to find a doctor who specializes in their needs.
Plume’s broad offerings of gender-affirming services help support all kinds of people. Many of our Members have a primary care doctor but prefer to work with a Care Team. The unique level of expert care that Plume provides is life-changing for our Members.
Importance of gender-affirming health care
Transgender and nonbinary patients have unique health care needs, which is why it is important to have access to gender-affirming health care options. Transgender and nonbinary individuals face significant barriers to receiving quality health care, including discrimination from doctors and other health care providers.
The National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 19% of transgender patients have been refused care because of their gender identity. 15% have also been subjected to verbal abuse from health care providers. The survey also found that transgender and nonbinary individuals are less likely to receive preventive care, such as cancer screenings and STI screenings, than others in the general population.
The National Transgender Discrimination Survey also found that 41% of transgender individuals are living with a health condition, with transgender women and transfeminine individuals more likely to experience a health condition than transgender men and transmasculine individuals. Plume offers a solution to these issues by providing compassionate and comprehensive, expert care designed by a trans woman doctor. Our support groups and any-time-you-need-them appointments provide a lifeline to folks on their gender journeys.
Transgender and nonbinary individuals experience higher rates of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than the general population. Gender-affirming health care can improve our community’s health outcomes and help our Members live their best lives. Receiving gender-affirming care is linked to higher levels of happiness. One study found that within a year of receiving gender-affirming care such as GAHT, suicidality was eliminated in the trans folks who were interviewed. Mental health improved as well as resilience.
Impact of gender-affirming health care
When transgender and nonbinary individuals do not have access to gender-affirming health care, they are less likely to seek out medical care. In fact, the National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that 19% of transgender individuals avoid seeking medical care because they fear mistreatment. This can lead to untreated health conditions, which can increase the risk of mortality if left untreated.
When transgender and nonbinary individuals have access to gender-affirming health care, they are more likely to seek out medical care. This can lead to early detection of health conditions, which can help prevent the development of serious health issues or even death. Plume’s Care Team monitors your health carefully, with regular labs and check-ins to see how your progress is going.
Resources for transgender and nonbinary patients
If you are a transgender or nonbinary individual who wants to learn more about your health care options, there are many resources available to you. You can visit the Human Rights Campaign website to learn more about health care options for transgender and nonbinary individuals. You can also visit the GLAAD website to learn more about how to find a doctor who specializes in transgender health care. Finally, you can visit the National Center for Transgender Equality website to find out about other resources available to you.
You can also find additional information about health care options for transgender and nonbinary individuals by checking out our blog. With more understanding, acceptance, and access to gender-affirming health care, we can ensure a better future for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
Summary and conclusion
In today’s world, gender-affirming health care is more important than ever. Transgender and nonbinary individuals face unique obstacles and discrimination in their health care experiences, which is why it is essential that they have access to gender-affirming health care options.
Gender-affirming health care is a form of health care that is tailored to the needs of transgender and nonbinary patients, and it can range from hormone therapy to gender reassignment surgery. When transgender and nonbinary individuals do not have access to gender-affirming health care, they are less likely to seek out medical care and are more likely to experience health conditions that go untreated.
Health care providers can do a lot to increase access to gender-affirming health care for transgender and nonbinary individuals by educating themselves on the needs of transgender and nonbinary individuals and making their offices more inclusive.
Ready to access inclusive, customized gender-affirming care? Sign up for Plume today!
