Working in a more progressive area of the country means we’re always on the forefront of meeting the needs of diverse individuals and patients. That’s why Overlake’s team of physicians and exceptional staff Loved ACOG Releases Guidance on Healthcare for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals.
Heart-Centered Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients
We invite you to read the release in detail by clicking the hyperlink included above.
The document begins:
With at least 1.4 million adults and 150,000 youths living in the United States who identify as transgender, obstetrician–gynecologists should work to make their offices open and inclusive to all patients and should be prepared to provide all individuals with compassionate, evidence-based care,” said Beth Cronin, MD, FACOG, one of the authors of the Committee Opinion.
Here are the most important things to know about this essential news release:
We vow to honor your identification to the best of our ability.
We admit that it takes some time to adjust to new language variations when “gendered language habits” have existed for thousands of years. That said, the team at Overlake OB/GYN is making an effort to know how our patients identify (or not) with regards to gender, and will keep visual reminders about your preferred pronouns to help you feel as at home, and cared for, in our offices as possible.
Accurate information and education is essential
Regardless of how you identify, it is essential that we provide accurate information and education about all of the realities that affect your general and reproductive wellbeing.
This includes information and reminders that gender identification does not alter information regarding contraception, sexual disease transmission, and health conditions associated with your current anatomical parts.
For example:
- Gender-affirming hormone therapy is not contraception. Even though gender-affirming hormone therapy may interrupt conception, it is not a reliable source of contraception. If you are having sexual intercourse, it is essential that you use the correct form of birth control for your current anatomy and physiology unless/until you are ready to start a family.
- We must honor the physical anatomy you have. We completely understand that transgender men may have a difficult time with breast exams, or that transgender women do not want to consider the risk of prostate issues. That said, as healthcare providers, we absolutely must honor the health of our patients’ current anatomical parts. This includes regular screening appointments such as breast exams and mammograms, pelvic exams and pap smears as long as those are relevant to your anatomy. We will do so with deep respect for your gender identification.
- We treat hormone therapy as safe, normal, and effective. If you choose to transition, you’ll be using gender-affirming hormone therapy. We view hormone replacement therapy as safe as long as healthcare providers have the appropriate training and education.
Let’s talk early and often about fertility preservation.
Many of the processes involved in gender transitioning, including gender-affirming hormone therapies and surgical anatomical changes, risk permanent disruption of your future fertility chances.
In almost all cases, we recommend freezing eggs or sperm, even if your teenage or 20-something self doesn’t think you’ll want children. We’ve spent our workdays watching patients completely change their minds about parenthood over time, and we want everyone to have an equitable chance at biological parenthood if that is their goal.
Freezing your eggs and sperm gives you the opportunity to use IVF down the road, regardless of what physical or hormonal changes have occurred between now and then.
Ensure you have the support you need.
Gender transitioning is a complicated process and affects the whole body: physical, mental, emotional. We may recommend and refer you to other specialists, depending on your needs. These may include endocrinologists (hormone specialists), therapists, support groups, etc., and we will reach out to your general physician as well to ensure all of your needs are being met.
Overlake is Honored to Serve our Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals
Overlake OB/GYN is honored to serve transgender and gender diverse individuals. We want to maintain a completely transparent and honest relationship with all of our patients, so feel free to share honest feedback that can support us in our mission.
Interested in scheduling a consultation or to learn more about your reproductive options as part of the transgender community? Contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we can serve you.