(276) Sexual Health of Transfeminine Individuals: A Chance to Educate Medical Providers

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Providers may be unfamiliar with the sexual health needs of transgender patients. This hinders chances to provide comprehensive care, as many patients require prompting to discuss sensitive sexual issues. To increase awareness of these issues, we developed a questionnaire which assessed the sexual health of transfeminine individuals. Objective We sought to describe the sexual experiences and preferences of transfeminine individuals, and to categorize sexual health needs in this population. Methods IRB approval was obtained to develop (with transgender community feedback) a questionnaire assessing urinary and sexual health. Sexual preferences, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) responses were compared among vaginoplasty (VP) and non-vaginoplasty (NVP) groups. NVP respondents were evaluated based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) categories: erectile function (EF), orgasmic function (OF), and sexual desire (SD). Results 53 transfeminine individuals (11 vaginoplasty, 10 orchiectomy, 32 no procedure) with mean age of 40 years (range 21-80) participated. Sexual QOL was similar for both groups (Table 1). There was an association between self-reported sexual activity and VP/NVP status, where a higher proportion of NVP respondents reported sexual activity with others and penetrative anal sex (p<0.05). Among NVP respondents, 38 (90.4%) of whom were undergoing hormone therapy, 23 (55%) indicated penile function was important to them. NVP IIEF EF, OF, and SD categories mean scores were 13.3, 5.8, and 5.6, respectively, compared to 25.8, 9.8, and 7.0 from the cis-gender controls in the initial IIEF study. 5 (11.9%) individuals used oral medications for erectile assistance, while 1 (2.3%) had a prosthesis. Conclusions When comparing VP and NVP respondents, we found similarities in sexual QOL while noticing differences in sexual preference, highlighting the diversity of this population. While many NVP respondents reported importance of penile function and presence of erectile dysfunction, only a minority were on treatment. This highlights an opportunity for providers to discuss sexual health with transfeminine patients and offer appropriate treatments. Disclosure No