(032) Experience with Gender Affirming Hormones and Puberty Blockers: A Qualitative Analysis of Sexual Function

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is part of the transition for many transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals. Additionally, it has become increasingly more common for TGNB youth to receive puberty blockers (GnRH agonist) to halt the pubertal progression. There have been few studies investigating sexual function and desire either during or after puberty blockers (PB) and/or GAHT. Objective Our aim was to qualitatively evaluate the sexual experience of TGNB individuals during or following PB and/or GAHT, and outline any potential differences between the two groups. Methods We performed an IRB approved two institutional study on the effect of PB and/or GAHT on sexual function and desire. The GAHT group (n=16): individuals who started GAHT (estrogen or testosterone) >18 years. The PB+GAHT group (n=10): subjects with current or past GnRH agonist use +GAHT. All 26 enrolled subjects were interviewed using an open-ended topical guide. Qualitative analysis was performed by hand coding the interview transcripts using Constructivist Grounded Theory qualitative methods. Results A total of 26 TGNB (20 assigned male at birth, 6 assigned female at birth: 18 transgender women, 5 transgender men, 3 non-binary) subjects ages 18-25y were interviewed about the effect of PB and/or GAHT on their sexual function and desire. Our analysis uncovered several themes that were consistent between groups (Table 1). Conclusions Themes were similar for both groups. Half the participants in each group reported feeling no regrets regarding hormone therapy, and the other half reported that they wished they had started hormones sooner. Two notable differences were identified between groups: those on PB+GAHT reported “less dysphoria” as a positive change in sexual desire, and the GAHT group reported more enjoyable sexual experiences since being on hormones. Interestingly, results did not reveal any significant differences between groups. The most prominent theme that arose in both groups was that the positive changes in sexual function and desire outweighed any negative changes that arose. Disclosure No.