Before having a baby, trans men are supposed to be asked about their preferred feeding method, and those who choose to breastfeed should be given “chest-feeding support in the same manner as for cis-women,” the article states.
The recommendation covers maternity care, contraception, fertility treatment, gynaecological procedures, and cancer treatment and care for trans and gender nonconforming people.
Additionally, it states that transgender people should be placed on female wards, even if they still have male sex organs, and it cautions that misgendering “may cause profound offence.”
A birth plan should be created with consideration for the fact that “trans men may have different psychological reactions to pregnancy than cis women,” according to the recommendation.
While some people strongly prefer a vaginal birth as an emotionally impactful experience, others express a preference for caesarean birth out of a desire for detachment from the procedure.
“This is a crucial guideline that aims to improve the care and experiences of transgender and gender diverse people accessing obstetric and gynaecological services,” said RCOG President Dr. Edward Morris.
Sadly, transgender and gender nonconforming people report that they frequently feel judged and misunderstood by the healthcare system.
This may prevent them from receiving necessary care, so it is our responsibility as healthcare professionals to help them feel heard and understood.
This proposed guideline represents our first effort to guarantee that we are giving each patient individualised care.
To make the guideline the best it can be for clinicians and the trans and gender diverse people who use our services, we welcome feedback on this draught.
Gynecological oncologist Phil Rolland, who worked on the guidance’s drafting, said: “It is highly likely that an obstetrician or gynaecologist will consult with or treat a trans or gender diverse patient at some point in the future.”
We can do better because we are aware that transgender people are more likely to encounter problems when seeking medical care.
The NHS removed the terms “women” and “woman” from its menopause advice earlier this year despite ministers’ promises to crack down on gender-neutral language in medical advice.