Characterization of sexual health among portuguese trans population

Abstract

Objectives To characterize the sexual health of the population with Gender Dysphoria followed at the Sexology consultation at the Lisboa Psychiatric Hospital Center and to analyse the relationship between psychiatric morbidity, sexual desire and quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional study of people followed in the Sexology consultation with the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria, was performed before the beginning of hormone therapy. Sociodemographic characterization, assessment of psychiatric comorbidity and application of the Sexual Desire Inventory 2 questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF, validated for the Portuguese population. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Results 53 participants were selected 52.8% (n=28) transgender men and 45.3% transgender women (n=24), with a mean age of 25 years. Most participants were single (94.5%, n=49) and attending 10th through 12th grade (45.1%, n= 23). About 60% (n=27) had no comorbid psychiatric disorder. There was no statistically significant difference between transgender men and transgender women concerning the total values and the dyadic and solitary factors of the SDI-2. Most people reported regular quality of life at the WHOQOL-BREF. Discussion Sexual health is defined by WHO as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being concerning sexuality. It is influenced by biological, psychosocial, historical-political, legal, and religious/spiritual factors. The sexuality of transgender people may be influenced by trans-specific or other factors common to the cisgender population. The literature suggests that sexual experience, function and satisfaction before and during the medical transition process, influence clinical outcomes and the person's satisfaction with their sexuality. Conclusions In the clinical follow-up of people with gender dysphoria, it is essential to perform a multidimensional assessment of sexuality and sexual function, as well as to explore expectations regarding gender-affirming medical-surgical interventions, fostering sexual self-determination and enhancing favourable clinical outcomes. Conflicts of Interest No conflicts of interest. To characterize the sexual health of the population with Gender Dysphoria followed at the Sexology consultation at the Lisboa Psychiatric Hospital Center and to analyse the relationship between psychiatric morbidity, sexual desire and quality of life. A cross-sectional study of people followed in the Sexology consultation with the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria, was performed before the beginning of hormone therapy. Sociodemographic characterization, assessment of psychiatric comorbidity and application of the Sexual Desire Inventory 2 questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF, validated for the Portuguese population. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. 53 participants were selected 52.8% (n=28) transgender men and 45.3% transgender women (n=24), with a mean age of 25 years. Most participants were single (94.5%, n=49) and attending 10th through 12th grade (45.1%, n= 23). About 60% (n=27) had no comorbid psychiatric disorder. There was no statistically significant difference between transgender men and transgender women concerning the total values and the dyadic and solitary factors of the SDI-2. Most people reported regular quality of life at the WHOQOL-BREF. Sexual health is defined by WHO as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being concerning sexuality. It is influenced by biological, psychosocial, historical-political, legal, and religious/spiritual factors. The sexuality of transgender people may be influenced by trans-specific or other factors common to the cisgender population. The literature suggests that sexual experience, function and satisfaction before and during the medical transition process, influence clinical outcomes and the person's satisfaction with their sexuality. In the clinical follow-up of people with gender dysphoria, it is essential to perform a multidimensional assessment of sexuality and sexual function, as well as to explore expectations regarding gender-affirming medical-surgical interventions, fostering sexual self-determination and enhancing favourable clinical outcomes.