Sexual Functions of Transgender Individuals Before Gender Transition

ABSTRACT

Objective: It is important to evaluate sexual function during the follow-up of transgender individuals in the gender pre-transition period. However, there exists inadequate literature evaluating the sexual functions of transgender individuals who have not received hormone therapy and/or undergone gender-affirming surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual function in transgender individuals in the gender pre-transition period. Material and Methods: Transgender individuals who were admitted consecutively to the tertiary care hospital between February and December 2019 were evaluated. Those who agreed to fill the questionnaires were included. Sexual functions of participants were evaluated using the Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction developed for cisgender and heterosexual individuals. In addition, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale was used for a psychometric test. Results: Sixtyfive participants who did not receive hormone therapy and/or undergone gender-affirming surgery were included. Of these, 45 individuals were trans men (TM), and 20 were trans women (TW). The mean ages of TW and TM were 25.05±6.73 and 24.23±5.58 years, respectively. The percentages of sexual dysfunction were found to be 87.8% in TM and 92.3% in TW, according to the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale. According to the common subscales of the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction, the most common problem in both groups was low sexual frequency. Conclusion: Owing to the importance of evaluating the sexual function in transgender individuals during the gender pre-transition period or in those who do not intend to undergo gender-affirming treatment, a scale should be developed for this period.