EVALUATION OF SEXUAL FUNCTION IN TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS; A CALL FOR ACTION

Area of Science:

• Sexual health research
• Gender diversity and medicine

Background:

• Sexual function is integral to overall well-being for all individuals, including the transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) population.
• A significant gap exists in validated sexual function evaluation tools specifically for the TGGD community, hindering medical knowledge and appropriate care.
• Existing studies highlight the benefits of individualized treatments for sexual dysfunction in TGGD individuals and underscore the need for applicable assessment tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical need for validated sexual function assessment tools tailored to the transgender and gender diverse population.
• To address the limitations of current assessment methods, which often involve adapting cisgender tools or using non-validated instruments.
• To advocate for the development of unique, validated tools to improve patient care and research in TGGD sexual health.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review and synthesis of current literature on sexual function in the TGGD population.
• It analyzes the limitations of existing assessment tools and highlights the need for culturally sensitive and validated instruments.
• The research emphasizes a holistic approach, considering social, mental, physical, and diverse sexual practices.

Main Results:

• The lack of specific, validated assessment tools creates barriers to understanding and managing sexual function in TGGD individuals.
• Current practices often rely on adapted or non-validated tools, leading to potential inaccuracies and inadequate care.
• Individualized treatments show promise, but their effectiveness is limited by the absence of robust evaluation methods.

Conclusions:

• The development of unique, validated sexual function tools is essential for the transgender and gender diverse community.
• Such tools will enable providers to offer more affirming and accurate patient care.
• Implementing validated assessments can help reduce stigma and improve the understanding of sexual function in TGGD individuals, particularly concerning gender-affirming surgery (GAS).