Taking care of your health is important no matter who you are. But finding the right doctor, getting accurate health information, and knowing what your health needs are can be a challenge for transgender youth.
No matter who you are or what your gender identity is, it’s important to get yearly physicals, go to the dentist, and get sexual health care.
What Does “Transgender” Mean?
The term transgender refers to a person whose biological sex conflicts with their gender identity. Our biological sex refers to the genetic makeup, sex organs, and hormones we are born with. Gender refers to how society expects us to act, dress, and think in relation to our sex. Our gender identity refers to how we feel about our gender and how we express those feelings. People who are transgender often describe feeling uncomfortable with their biological body parts. Some transgender people remember having these feelings from an early age, while others discover these feelings later in life.
Transgender teens may strongly identify with the opposite gender or with a more androgynous gender. Female to male (FTM), male to female (MTF), gender queer, gender variant, and gender fluid are just a handful of the labels used by some transgender folks. While some people choose to define their gender identity with a label, others may express a more fluid identity. And others may identify explicitly as a guy or a girl. Gender identity is highly individual.
I Think I’m Transgender. What Do I Do Now?
If you think you’re transgender it can be helpful to connect with trans-friendly resources in your community. If you know of a local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) center or clinic, find out if they can connect you with information about transgender youth and gender identity. Some communities offer transgender support groups where you can talk to other transgender folks in a supportive and confidential environment.
The internet can be a good source for information and a way to connect with other transgender youth. Advocates for Youth and Transproud both offer information and resources specific to young people who may be questioning their gender or already identify as transgender.
Some transgender teens also find it helpful to speak to a counselor or therapist. If you are interested in finding a counselor who is transgender-friendly, contact your local LGBTQ center to see if they have a referral list or check out the LGBT Health Channel’s provider locator page.
Staying Healthy
No matter who you are or what your gender identity is, it’s important to get yearly physicals, go to the dentist, and get sexual health care. Unfortunately, transgender people may face unique barriers to accessing health care, because not all providers are sensitive to gender identity issues. You can use the LGBT Health Channel’s provider locator page provider locator page to find a transgender-friendly provider in your area, or you can talk with a provider you know. Some providers may be open to learning more about transgender issues and providing you with sensitive care.
If financial hardships or lack of insurance are a concern for you, make this clear to your health care provider. Some health centers provide free or low-cost services to young people in need.
It’s important to make sure all aspects of your body are in good health, because neglecting your health can lead to more serious issues in the future. If you feel uncomfortable with your biological body parts, it may be hard to talk about it with a provider. Try to be honest and up front with your provider about your discomfort, and let your provider know if you have preferred terms for your body parts. And don’t be afraid to ask questions: your health care should be a partnership between you and your provider. The more questions you ask and the more honest you are, the more confident you’ll feel about your health.
Transgender Safer Sex
Sexual health is an important concern for all of us who choose to be sexually active. The only 100 percent effective way to avoid the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or risk of pregnancy is abstinence — not having any sex play at all. While many teens choose to be abstinent, many choose to engage in sex play. If you are sexually active, use condoms, dental dams, plastic wrap, and gloves to help protect yourself and your partners against STIs. Condoms, both male and female, can also protect against pregnancy.
While talking about safer sex with a partner can sometimes be challenging, communicating openly is a great way to build trust, as well as increase confidence. Getting tested for STIs together when you think you have been at risk can also be a great way to initiate a conversation about safer sex. When you get tested, be honest with your health care provider about what kind of sex play you’re having — your provider can’t give you the care you need if she doesn’t know the whole story.
Check out the Advocates for Youth brochure I Think I Might Be Transgender for additional information on safer sex topics and other transgender specific health suggestions.
What Does it Mean to Transition?
Transitioning is a term that, for transgender people, refers to the process of shifting from one gender to another. This process can involve many different changes. For example, some people choose to change their name, style of dress, or hairstyle.
Others may choose to transition medically or surgically. Surgical transition refers to permanently altering the physical anatomy to be more in line with a specific gender identity. Medical transition refers to hormone therapy. Hormones are naturally produced by glands in our body and released into the blood stream. Estrogen and testosterone are two types of hormones. While girls and guys produce both of these hormones, typically girls produce more estrogen and guys produce more testosterone. These hormones affect different parts of our sexual development, like body hair, sex organs, and breast size.
Transgender people who wish to engage in hormone therapy should do so under a medical professional’s supervision. While some transgender people may seek out or be offered “street hormones,” this can present very serious health risks. Street hormones are forms of estrogen or testosterone that are shared and administered without medical supervision or a prescription. Because some hormones are injected using a syringe and needle, there is a high risk of HIV and other STI transmission. Using hormones without medical guidance can also put you at risk for high blood pressure, liver disease, blood clots, and other serious health risks.
Hormone therapy also has possible side effects, advantages, and disadvantages, some of them are serious and some of them are not reversible. A medical provider can provide information about all of the important considerations trans folks should consider before beginning treatment. Correct dosing of hormones is also important and requires professional guidance to avoid serious health and cosmetic complications.
Eligibility and requirements for medical and surgical transition may vary depending on where you live or seek services. Ask your health care or mental health provider for more information.
Do I Have to Come Out?
Whether to come out as a transgender person is a personal decision. Some people choose to come out gradually to people they trust, while others prefer not to come out at all.
Before you come out, make sure you have a trusted support system in place. This can include friends, family, or a support group. The reality is not everyone will be accepting or supportive of your gender identity, so it’s important to make sure that coming out will not jeopardize your safety or health. For more information about coming out as a transgender person, check out the Human Rights Council or Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
You’re Not Alone
Many of us question our gender at various points in our lives. And our gender identity may shift and evolve over time. Staying connected with others will remind you that you are not alone in your process of self discovery. Seek out trans-friendly resources, and find a health care provider who’s right for you. You’ll be glad you did.
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