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.