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Published on: March 8, 2012
Genital human papillomavirus detection in self-samples from transgender men
Jeroen Vervalcke1, Karen Decaestecker2, Konstantina Barouti3
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Summary
Self-collected human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is a well-accepted alternative for cervical cancer screening in transgender men. This approach may overcome barriers associated with traditional screening methods, improving access to care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Transgender men with a cervix encounter barriers to routine cervical cancer screening, including discomfort and dysphoria.
- Self-collected human papillomavirus (HPV) testing presents a potentially more acceptable screening method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptability of self-collected HPV testing among transgender men.
- To determine HPV prevalence in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with adult transgender men who have a cervix.
- Participants provided urine and vaginal self-samples for HPV testing and completed questionnaires.
- Descriptive analyses and non-parametric tests were used for group comparisons.
Main Results:
- Self-collected HPV testing was highly acceptable, with 94.7% viewing it as a valuable alternative.
- Urine-based self-sampling was preferred by 84.2% of participants over vaginal self-sampling.
- HPV positivity was detected in 2/17 urine samples and 3/17 vaginal samples.
Conclusions:
- Self-collected HPV testing is well-accepted by transgender men.
- This method can potentially reduce barriers to cervical cancer screening in this demographic.
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