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Pelvic pain in transgender people using testosterone therapy: A national survey
  • +8
  • Sav Zwickl,
  • Laura Burchill,
  • Alex Fang Qi Wong,
  • Shalem Leemaqz,
  • Teddy Cook,
  • Lachlan Angus,
  • Kalen Eshin,
  • Charlotte Elder,
  • Sonia Grover,
  • Jeffrey Zajac,
  • Ada Cheung
Sav Zwickl
The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Laura Burchill
The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences
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Alex Fang Qi Wong
The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences
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Shalem Leemaqz
Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health
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Teddy Cook
ACON
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Lachlan Angus
The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences
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Kalen Eshin
La Trobe University
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Charlotte Elder
The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics
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Sonia Grover
The University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics
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Jeffrey Zajac
The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences
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Ada Cheung
The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences
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Abstract

Objective: This descriptive study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of pelvic pain and explore predictive factors for pelvic pain in transgender (trans) individuals using testosterone therapy. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Online. Sample: Trans people presumed female at birth, using testosterone for gender-affirmation, living in Australia, and aged > 16 years. Methods: Logistic regression was applied to estimate the effect size of the possible factors contributing to pain after starting testosterone. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence and characteristics of pelvic pain following initiation of testosterone therapy, type and length of testosterone therapy, menstruation history, and relevant sexual health, gynaecological and mental health experiences. Results: Among 486 participants (median age 27 years), 351 (72.4%) reported experiencing pelvic pain following initiation of testosterone therapy, described most commonly as in the suprapubic region and as “cramping”. Median duration of testosterone therapy was 32 months. Persistent menstruation, current or previous history of post-traumatic stress disorder, and experiences of pain with orgasm were associated with higher odds of pelvic pain after testosterone therapy. No associations were observed with genital dryness, intrauterine device use, previous pregnancy, penetrative sexual activities, touching external genitalia, or known diagnoses of endometriosis, vulvodynia, vaginismus, depression, anxiety, or obesity. Conclusions: Pelvic pain is common in trans people following initiation of testosterone therapy. Given the association with persistent menstruation and orgasm, as well as the known androgen-sensitivity of the pelvic floor musculature, further research into pelvic floor muscle dysfunction as a contributor is warranted.
04 Jan 2023Published in LGBT Health. 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0187