Understanding and appreciating diversity is more essential than ever in today’s world, as it transforms the world. Transgender health care plays a crucial role in supporting people through their journey of gender affirmation, involving the integration of the medical, surgical, and psychological services, and whether someone is discovering hormone therapy and gender affirmation, or is exploring transgender surgery, gaining clarity on the method and transgender surgery cost assists in making confident decisions.
Reasons Transgender Health Care is important
Understanding the reality of Hopkins Medicine, this extensive transgender health care highlights patient-centered, inclusive service, including counseling, hormone therapy, and surgical options, to the needs and well-being of transgender and gender-diverse people. This general approach empowers patients throughout their transition journey.
Preventive Care and Screenings
Preventive care is not just about detecting a condition early; it is about empowering you with knowledge and control. Commonly, screening can reduce the damage of serious issues and ensure your transparency, allowing you to stay physically and emotionally safe.
According to guidelines from trusted medical institutions, including Johns Hopkins Medicine, transgender people should receive screening based on the organs they have, not just their gender identity. This means a transgender man who still has a cervix may need a Pap test, and a transgender woman may require prostate exams.
Core Screenings for Transgender Individuals
This is the list of crucial screenings and habit care that may be added, depending on your transition status, age, and medical history.
1. Cancer Screenings
- Breast Cancer: Transgender women (especially after 5+ years of estrogen therapy) and transgender men (especially those who haven’t had top surgery) may need mammograms.
- Cancer in the uterus (Cervical Cancer): Transgender men with a cervix should usually have Pap smears.
- Prostatic neoplasm (Prostate Cancer): Transgender women still have prostates and need screenings, specifically after age 50.
2. Sexual well-being and STI Screenings
- Annual examinations for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis are crucial, particularly to people who are sexually active or taking hormone therapy.
- HPV vaccinations are recommended for people up to the age of 45 to reduce the risk of cancer.
3. Cardiovascular Screening
- Hormone therapy (especially estrogen or testosterone) can affect heart health. Regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, and lifestyle support are essential.
4. Mental well-being Check-ins
- Preventive care also includes emotional well-being. Depression, anxiety, and gender dysphoria are treatable with supportive mental health services.
- At VJ’s Clinic, mental health support is combined with gender-affirming care.
Preventive Care After Transgender Surgery?
After taking transgender surgery, your anatomy may change, but routine screenings should still be based on the remaining tissues and your hormone regimen. For example:
- After vaginoplasty, transgender women should still monitor for prostate health.
- After mastectomy (top surgery), some residual breast tissue may remain, requiring periodic exams.
- Following phalloplasty, urinary health and urethral function should be evaluated regularly.
Conclusion
Preventive care is the self-care benefit of every individual. Even if you’ve already undergone transgender surgery or are just beginning your transition, staying up to date with screenings can help you live a longer, healthier, and more confident life. At VJ’s Transgender Clinic, we’re proud to offer general care that sees the whole person, not just one part of your journey.
