Sexual health is important for relationships and also general well being. It is important to take charge of your health and find a provider who will understand your needs.
Your health care provider may want you to have some or all of the following screening exams and tests. The screenings and how often you need them depend on what organs you still have, your age and your other risk factors.
Chest surgery does not remove all breast tissue, therefore it is important to continue to screen for breast cancer. Make sure your provider knows if people in your family have had breast cancer. Ask your provider to teach you how to examine the chest area. Continue to have mammograms if this is recommended by your provider.
If you still have your pelvic organs, including uterus, cervix and ovaries, your provider will recommend regular evaluation of these organs to promote healthy pelvic health, even if you are on testosterone. This can include a pelvic exam (checks for problems with internal organs), pap smear (small brush collects cells from your cervix to screen for cervical cancer) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. This is important, even if you do not engage in vaginal sex. To prevent STIs, always remember to use barrier protection such as a condom or dental dam. If you have not had the HPV vaccine, talk to provider more about this as this may reduce your risk of cervical cancer.
If you have a uterus and ovaries, you still can get pregnant even if you are on testosterone and your periods have stopped. Talk to your provider about reliable contraception options if you do not wish to have a child. Examples include condoms, an intrauterine device, or IUD, and hormonal pills, implants or injections. If you want to become pregnant, either now or in the future, talk with your provider about fertility options. There are ways to help you have a child with your own genetic material. Examples include freezing eggs or ovarian tissue, and embryo freezing. These may be options for you if you want to become pregnant or if you want to have someone else, called a surrogate, carry a child for you.
You may find that your sexual orientation becomes more fluid as you grow more comfortable with your body and your gender identity. You may be attracted to different kinds of people. Sexual behaviors and activities that you like and do not like may change.
Testosterone and sexual function
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There are other resources you can use. Find a support group, online or in your community. Ask your health care provider to suggest websites or organizations for transgender people. If you have trouble talking with your provider about your sexuality, these questions may help you start the conversation.
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