Primary Care in Transgender Persons

Abstract

The preventive health care needs of transgender persons are nearly identical to the rest of the population. Special consideration should be given, however, to the impact of gender-affirming hormone regimens and surgical care on preventive screenings. Providers should integrate a more comprehensive view of health when caring for transgender persons and address the impact of social determinants and other barriers to accessing affirming, inclusive health care. In individual interactions, providers must consider the unique impact that a gender identity and expression different from the assigned gender at birth affects patient-provider interactions, including the history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing.

Keywords: Prevention; Primary care; Screening; Transgender.