Pelvic Pain in the Transgender Man

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to update readers on the multifactorial nature of pelvic pain with specific considerations for the female to male (FtM) transgender patient. Secondary effects of testosterone therapy include both genital and musculoskeletal changes that may contribute to the development of pelvic pain. Hysterectomy is therapeutic for gender affirmation and underlying pain conditions. Postsurgical pain from further pelvic reconstruction may be the result of the reconstruction itself, surgical scarring, or prostheses. Pelvic pain is a common condition with many contributing factors. For the FtM patient, pelvic pain may be present at any point in the transition process. Pain conditions may be pre-existing or occur as a result of medical or surgical treatment of gender dysphoria. Research is needed on sex hormone-specific influences on the development of pelvic pain and mitigation strategies for treatment-specific development of pelvic pain in the transgender population.