[Contraception for transgender men: A case report and review]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Endocrinology
• Gender-Affirming Care

Background:

• Transgender men (individuals assigned female at birth who identify and live as men) may require contraception.
• Hormone therapy, specifically testosterone, is common in gender-affirming care for transgender men.
• The interaction between hormonal contraceptives and testosterone therapy requires careful consideration.

Observation:

• Standard contraceptive methods available to cisgender women are theoretically applicable to transgender men.
• Certain hormonal contraceptives can exacerbate gender dysphoria, a state of distress experienced when one's gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.
• Contraceptive choices can influence hormonal balance and physical changes associated with testosterone therapy.

Findings:

• Contraceptives that induce or maintain amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) are often preferred by transgender men.
• Methods that complement or enhance the virilizing effects of testosterone therapy are generally better tolerated.
• Contraceptives that counteract virilization or induce feminizing effects should be avoided.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers should screen transgender men for gender dysphoria when prescribing hormonal contraceptives.
• Contraceptive selection for transgender men should prioritize minimizing gender dysphoria and supporting desired physical changes.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimal contraceptive strategies for transgender men undergoing hormone therapy.