Öykü Sarıkaya, Melis Pehlivantürk Kızılkan, Zeynep Tüzün, Koray Başar, Zeynep Alev Özön, Orhan Derman, Sinem Akgül
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Menstruation can present a significant challenge for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. While menstrual suppression can help alleviate this experience, research on the topic remains scarce. This study aimed to assess menstruation-related discomfort experienced by TGD individuals and to identify their preferences for menstrual suppression methods MATERIAL AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and September 2023 with a sample of TGD individuals (n=21) aged 12-24, experiencing menstrual dysphoria. Participants completed an initial questionnaire assessing menstruation-related discomfort, followed by counseling on menstrual suppression options, including combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device, and the etonogestrel implant. A second questionnaire evaluated factors influencing method preferences and documented the chosen suppression method. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, with continuous variables presented as mean ± standard deviation and ordinal variables as numbers and percentages.
Results: The conditions most frequently associated with severe discomfort related to menstruation were gender incongruence (81%), the carrying and use of menstrual products (95.2%), and the purchase of menstrual products (85.7%). The most popular method of menstrual suppression was combined oral contraceptives (63.1%). Several factors were identified as influencing the choice of method, including the estrogen content, frequency of use, and the necessity of a gynecological examination or visiting a different health facility.
Conclusions: The study underscores the considerable distress that menstruation can cause in TGD youth. Moreover, the importance of personalized, patient-centered counseling is emphasized, with the objective of empowering individuals to make decisions based on their specific needs.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology includes all aspects of clinical and basic science research in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. The Journal draws on expertise from a variety of disciplines including pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, reproduction and gynecology, reproductive and pediatric endocrinology, genetics, and molecular biology.
The Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology features original studies, review articles, book and literature reviews, letters to the editor, and communications in brief. It is an essential resource for the libraries of OB/GYN specialists, as well as pediatricians and primary care physicians.