Low Levels of HIV Stigma Among Transgender Women Receiving HIV Care.

Despite the prevalence of HIV among transgender women (TGW), gaps exist in understanding the impact of HIV-related stigma (HRS) on TGW with HIV. This is a small cross-sectional pilot study examining HRS in TGW (n=18) with HIV in Miami, FL, who completed a survey during an HIV clinical visit. In contrast with previous studies, results demonstrated low levels of HRS and suggest the potential of increasing acceptance of TGW with HIV as a contributing factor. Larger studies are needed to explore factors underlying HRS with the aim of further reducing stigma among TGW with HIV.

Gender Identity Stigma in Transgender Women Is Higher After Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty.

Gender affirmation may reduce stigma and gender-based discrimination that drive increased behaviors that can lead to HIV in transgender women (TW). For many TW, vaginoplasty is gender affirming, yet has not been previously evaluated with regard to likelihood of HIV. This pilot study of TW aimed to evaluate the influence of gender-affirming vaginoplasty on stigma and the drivers of HIV acquisition. Adult TW without HIV were recruited. Interviewer-administered surveys were used to assess demographics, gender identity stigma, psychosocial factors, importance of and satisfaction with gender affirmation, and behaviors that increase the likelihood of HIV in TW who had either undergone gender-affirming vaginoplasty (TWWV) or who had not (TWWOV). Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Thirty TW without HIV (19-83 years old) participated (TWWV = 10; TWWOV = 20). The majority identified with ethnic minority groups (n = 21, 70%) and on gender-affirming hormone therapy (n = 25, 83%). Gender identity stigma (38.0; 32.15, p = .03) and social oppression (53.6; 39.4, p = .05) scores were significantly higher among TWWV compared with TWWOV. Satisfaction with body (3.10; 1.95, p = .01), appearance (3.10; 2.10, p = .02), and femininity (3.40; 2.25, p = .001) were higher among TWWV than TWWOV. Present (n = 8, 27%) and past (n = 16, 53%) survival sex work, multiple sex partners (n = 16, 53%), and receptive condomless anal intercourse (n = 10, 33%) were reported but did not vary significantly between groups. Behaviors that may lead to HIV acquisition and their underlying drivers, including gender identity stigma, are present after gender-affirming vaginoplasty. As this procedure continues to increase among TW, interventions to mitigate chances of HIV acquisition are critically needed in this population.

Assessing Medical Students' Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding LGBTQ Health Needs Across the United States.

BACKGROUND: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community experiences health disparities. It is thus imperative that medical trainees receive training in the care of LGBTQ community. The objective of this study was to identify gaps in knowledge and comfort among medical school students in providing care for the LGBTQ community. METHODS: An online survey was administered to medical students at 3 institutions in the United States from December 2020 to March 2021. Using a Likert scale, the survey assessed attitudes, comfort, and knowledge in providing care for the LGBTQ community. The survey included questions for each specific LGBTQ population. Results were quantified using descriptive and stratified analyses, and an exploratory factor analysis was used to calculate attitude summary measure (ASM) scores. A total knowledge score was calculated, with higher values indicating greater knowledge. RESULTS: Among the 300 medical students who completed the survey, the majority were female (55.7%), White (54.7%), and heterosexual (64.3%). The majority of medical students felt comfortable (strongly agree/agree) participating in the care of lesbian (94.3%), gay (96.0%), and bisexual (96.3%) patients; this percentage dropped to 82.3% for non-binary and 71.3% for transgender patients. Only 27.0% of medical students reported confidence in their knowledge of health needs of transgender patients. LGBTQ self-identification, percent of core rotations completed in school, region of country, and friends and/or family who are part of the LGBTQ community were significantly associated with various ASM scores. Knowledge questions yielded high percentages of "neutral" responses, and medical students who identified as LGBTQ had significantly higher total knowledge scores. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the surveyed medical students feel comfortable and willing to provide care for LGBTQ persons. But, there is limited knowledge about specific LGBTQ health needs. More education and training in the needs of transgender and non-binary patients, in particular, is indicated.

Adolescent girls' descriptions of dysmenorrhea and barriers to dysmenorrhea management in Moshi, Tanzania: A qualitative study.

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) is common among adolescent girls globally, but many girls in Sub-Saharan Africa do not receive effective treatment. Qualitative interviews were used to describe adolescent girls' experiences of dysmenorrhea and identify sociocultural barriers to dysmenorrhea management in Moshi, Tanzania. From August to November 2018, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 adolescent girls and 10 adult experts (e.g., teachers, medical providers) who have experience working with girls in Tanzania. Thematic content analysis identified themes related to dysmenorrhea, including descriptions of dysmenorrhea and the impact of dysmenorrhea on well-being, as well as factors influencing the use of pharmacological and behavioral pain management strategies. Potential barriers to dysmenorrhea management were identified. Dysmenorrhea negatively impacted the physical and psychological well-being of girls and hindered girls' ability to participate in school, work, and social events. The most common pain management strategies were resting, drinking hot water, engaging in physical activity, and taking paracetamol. Barriers to dysmenorrhea management included beliefs that medications are harmful to the body or can hinder fertility, limited knowledge about the benefits of hormonal contraceptives to manage menstruation, little continuing education for healthcare providers, and a lack of consistent access to effective medications, medical care, or other supplies necessary for pain management. Medication hesitancy and inconsistent access to effective medication and other menstrual supplies must be addressed to improve girls' ability to manage dysmenorrhea in Tanzania.

Lost opportunities for mismatch repair (MMR) screening among minority women with endometrial cancer.

Lynch Syndrome (LS) prevalence in underrepresented minorities are lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of LS in a minority patient population. Secondary objectives included identifying factors associated with successful LS screening and to characterize clinicopathologic features. Women with endometrial cancer treated within a university system from 2014 and 2016 were included. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6 were obtained from medical records and clinicopathologic factors abstracted. Patients not previously screened for LS were screened. 276 patients were evaluable. More minority women were screened as part of their routine cancer care (p = 0.005). Additionally, women 50 years or younger were more likely to be screened for LS compared to women older than 51(p = 0.009) and uninsured or reliant on Medicaid patients (p = 0.011) were more likely to be screened during routine care. Six patients received confirmatory germline testing for LS (4.3%), and another 8 patients had a staining pattern suggestive of LS. In an underrepresented population, the rate of LS in endometrial cancer is similar to previous reports. LS may be under diagnosed and opportunities missed when universal screening is not applied in minority women.

Low Perceived Anal Cancer Risk and Screening Utilization Among High-Risk Transgender Men and Women Living in an HIV / STI Epicenter.

Although risk behaviors could place transgender people at increased risk of anal cancer, few studies have examined anal cancer knowledge and screening use among this population. This study assessed knowledge of anal cancer and associated screening tools, self-perceived risk for anal cancer, and willingness to undergo anal cytology testing among transgender persons in an HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI)-dense region. Adult transgender persons were recruited locally and surveyed electronically. Descriptive statistics, student's t tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's chi-squared test were performed. Among 79 transgender persons, identified anal cancer risk factors included smoking, STI history, anoreceptive intercourse, and inconsistent condom use. Nearly half (43%) reported little to no knowledge of anal cancer. The vast majority (82%) had little to no perceived risk of developing anal cancer. Twenty-eight percent had heard of anal cytology, and few (17%) had undergone it. Despite susceptibility, transgender persons lack knowledge and have a low perception of personal risk of anal cancer, highlighting the need to increase awareness of anal cancer, risk factors, and screening methods among this population.

Factors Predicting Type II Histology in Endometrial Biopsies Among Postmenopausal Minority Women at a Safety-Net Hospital.

Background: Rates of type II endometrial cancers (EC) are increasing in the United States, especially in minority women. The purpose of this project was to examine a primarily minority and low socioeconomic status patient population in a public hospital to identify risk factors associated with the finding of type II histology in endometrial biopsies (EMBs). Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent an EMB between 2010 and 2016. Included patients were postmenopausal women older than 50 years with biopsy-proven EC. Basic demographic data were analyzed, along with indication for EMB and ultrasound findings. Statistics were completed using analysis of variance and logistic regression with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Four hundred sixty-one EMB results were reviewed. Around 17.4% (n = 80) resulted in a diagnosis of EC, with 45% (n = 36) being type II histology. Average age was 62.5 (standard deviation [SD] = 7.63), and the majority (64%) were Hispanic. Type II malignancies were diagnosed in 17% of Caucasians, 41% of Hispanics, and 61% of blacks/Haitians (p = 0.03). Factors associated with type II tumors in univariable models included older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.10 [confidence interval; CI 1.03-1.18], p = 0.007), black/Haitian (vs. Caucasian) race (OR 8.75 [CI 0.86-88.70], p = 0.066), obesity (OR 0.39 [0.15-0.98], p = 0.044), and number of years since menopause (OR 1.06 [CI 1.01-1.12], p = 0.027), although none remained independently predictive in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: This minority population of postmenopausal women with EC had a greater prevalence of type II histologies. Understanding this pattern may be helpful in expediting the workup for abnormal symptoms in these women and prompt a higher level of suspicion for EC.

Applying concurrent multidisciplinary care to gender affirmation in transgender women: A case series.

Gender affirmation surgeries, though important for many transgender persons, can be numerous. Combining surgeries, as presented in this case series, affords many benefits to patients without increasing risk or complications.

Condylomata acuminata of the neovagina in a transgender woman treated with trichloroacetic acid.

Condylomata acuminata (genital warts) have been identified in transgender women after gender affirmation surgery. We describe a case of a 57-year-old transgender woman with biopsy-proven neovaginal condylomata acuminata following gender-affirmation vaginoplasty using the penile skin inversion technique. The patient was successfully treated with trichloroacetic acid. To our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating successful treatment of neovaginal condyloma with trichloroacetic acid. We provide a review of the relevant literature and highlight the evidence for the clinical utility of trichloroacetic acid in transgender women with condyloma of the neovagina.

Supersonic Transporter Deformity in Transgender Men following Phalloplasty.

Phalloplasty is often the final stage of gender-affirmation surgery for transgender men. Obtaining penile rigidity is important for sexual function, but may also bring complications, including supersonic transporter deformity, in which the glans becomes ventrally displaced and flaccid. Two cases of supersonic transporter deformity are presented here, one with a hydraulic penile implant and one with an autologous bone transplant. Attempt at surgical correction was performed in both. Careful attention must be paid to the unique anatomy of the neophallus and type of penile prosthesis to prevent or correct supersonic transporter deformity in transgender men. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, V.

Evaluation of BMI as a Risk Factor for Complications following Gender-affirming Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Gender affirmation surgery (GAS) has a positive impact on the health of transgender patients; however, some centers employ body mass index (BMI) as a strict selection criterion for surgical candidacy. Several single-center studies have found no clear correlation between BMI and complication rates. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study at 2 university-based centers to test the null hypothesis: obesity is not a significant determinant of the risk of acute surgical complications in patients undergoing penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV). METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of all adult patients at the University of Michigan and the University of Miami undergoing gender-affirming PIV with minimum follow-up time of 3 months between 1999 and 2017. A logistic regression model of analysis is used to examine the predictive factors for surgical complications and delayed revision urethroplasty in our patient sample. RESULTS: One hundred and one patients met inclusion criteria for this study. The mean BMI at the time of procedure was 26.9kg/m2 (range 17.8-48.2). Seventeen patients (16.8%) had major complications and 36 patients (35.6%) had minor complications. On logistic regression analysis, none of the recorded covariates were significant predictors of delayed revision urethroplasty or major, minor, or any complications. CONCLUSIONS: We found that obese patients can safely undergo GAS and that BMI alone should not preclude appropriately selected patients from undergoing GAS. We acknowledge that selection based on overall health and other medical comorbidities is certainly warranted for gender-affirming PIV and all other surgical procedures.

Risk Factors for Anal Dysplasia in Transgender Women: A Retrospective Chart Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess risk factors for anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and anal dysplasia among a cohort of transgender women (TGW). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted based on electronic medical records of TGW patients seen in the University of Miami Health System between 2010 and 2016. Outcome measures included risk factors of anal dysplasia, including HIV infection, receptive anal intercourse, and smoking history. Descriptive statistical analysis and χ testing were used. RESULTS: Sixty-nine TGW patients' charts were reviewed. Patients' ages ranged from 18 to 72 (mean = 38 [15]). Twenty-two (30%) were older than 50 years; 10 (15%) were black/African descent; 20 (29%) reported a smoking history; 6 (9%) were HIV positive, and 28 (72%) among those with known partner preference (n = 39) reported male partners. Male partner preference was significantly associated with being black/African descent (p = .009) and being single (p = .048). Older age was significantly associated with HIV-positive status (p = .023). The average number of risk factors per person was 2.10 (0.97). Sixty-one years or older had the highest average number of risk factors (2.90 [0.88]). CONCLUSIONS: Because rates of HIV, dangerous sexual behaviors, and other risk factors for anal dysplasia continue to persist among TGW, this study reinforces the need to increase the focus on anal health in the care of TGW and the need for further research to guide patient care and anal dysplasia screening strategies among those individuals.

Sexual Preferences and Partnerships of Transgender Persons Mid- or Post-Transition.

The process of gender transition has varying effects on various aspects of sexuality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transitioning on transgender persons' sexual preferences and partnerships. Data were collected through an anonymous online survey. Questions focused on timing of gender transition in relation to change in sexual preference. Transgender individuals have a variety of sexual partners, predominantly cisgender, and may change sexual preference when they transition. Transitioning can be associated with having no primary sexual partner, despite past sexual partnerships. Length of time between identifying as transgender and starting the transition might be associated with changing sexual partner preference, particularly in transgender women. The emerging trends of sexual partnerships and changing sexual preferences related to the transition in this study warrant further investigation. These data provide more understanding of the relationship between transitioning and sexual preferences and partnerships.

Knowledge and perceptions of Zika virus among reproductive-aged women after public announcement of local mosquito-borne transmission.

AIM: This study was conducted to ascertain the knowledge and perceptions of the Zika virus among reproductive-aged women living in the first affected area of the United States with local mosquito-borne transmission. METHODS: Reproductive-aged women were surveyed during the four weeks immediately following the announcement of local Zika virus transmission. The survey evaluated the participant's knowledge of Zika pathogenesis and transmission, sequelae of infection, epidemiology and public health information. RESULTS: Fifty-nine women (age range 18-45) completed the survey. Most patients (n = 53, 89.8%) had received information about the Zika virus from the media rather than clinicians. In 93% of the questions, a high level of knowledge was demonstrated by the participants. Personal concern about becoming infected with the Zika virus was significantly higher in those considering pregnancy (n = 13, 86.7% vs n = 21, 47.7%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In the weeks following recognized local transmission of the Zika virus in the continental United States, reproductive-aged women had a high level of knowledge of the Zika virus, but those considering pregnancy harbored the greatest concern of personal risk of infection.

Total vaginectomy and urethral lengthening at time of neourethral prelamination in transgender men.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: For transgender men (TGM), gender-affirmation surgery (GAS) is often the final stage of their gender transition. GAS involves creating a neophallus, typically using tissue remote from the genital region, such as radial forearm free-flap phalloplasty. Essential to this process is vaginectomy. Complexity of vaginal fascial attachments, atrophy due to testosterone use, and need to preserve integrity of the vaginal epithelium for tissue rearrangement add to the intricacy of the procedure during GAS. We designed the technique presented here to minimize complications and contribute to overall success of the phalloplasty procedure. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board, our transgender (TG) database at the University of Miami Hospital was reviewed to identify cases with vaginectomy and urethral elongation performed at the time of radial forearm free-flap phalloplasty prelamination. Surgical technique for posterior vaginectomy and anterior vaginal wall-flap harvest with subsequent urethral lengthening is detailed. RESULTS: Six patients underwent total vaginectomy and urethral elongation at the time of radial forearm free-flap phalloplasty prelamination. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 290 ± 199.4 ml for the vaginectomy and urethral elongation, and no one required transfusion. There were no intraoperative complications (cystotomy, ureteral obstruction, enterotomy, proctotomy, or neurological injury). One patient had a urologic complication (urethral stricture) in the neobulbar urethra. CONCLUSIONS: Total vaginectomy and urethral lengthening procedures at the time of GAS are relatively safe procedures, and using the described technique provides excellent tissue for urethral prelamination and a low complication rate in both the short and long term.

Understanding Transgender Men's Experiences with and Preferences for Cervical Cancer Screening: A Rapid Assessment Survey.

PURPOSE: Transgender men are less likely than cisgender women to receive cervical cancer screening. The purpose of the current study was to understand experiences with and preferences for cervical cancer screening among transgender men. METHODS: Ninety-one transgender men ages 21-63 completed the survey. The survey evaluated experiences with and preferences for screening, including opinions regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling as a primary cervical cancer screening. RESULTS: Half (50.5%) of participants did not have Pap smear screening within the past 3 years. The majority (57.1%) of participants preferred HPV self-sampling over provider-collected Pap smear screening. Participants who reported discrimination were more likely to prefer HPV self-sampling (odds ratio = 3.29, 95% confidence interval 1.38-7.84, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Primary HPV testing via HPV self-sampling may improve cervical cancer screening uptake among transgender men. Future work should pilot this innovative cervical cancer screening method within this population.

Prelamination of Neourethra with Uterine Mucosa in Radial Forearm Osteocutaneous Free Flap Phalloplasty in the Female-to-Male Transgender Patient.

Radial forearm free flap phalloplasty is the most commonly performed flap for neophallus construction in the female-to-male (FtM) transgender patient. Urological complications, however, can arise quite frequently and can prevent the patient from urinating in the standing position, an important postsurgical goal for many. Using mucosa to construct the fixed urethra and to prelaminate the penile urethra has been successful in reducing urologic complications, particularly strictures and fistulas. Until now, only buccal, vaginal, colonic, and bladder sites have been described as sources for these mucosal grafts. We present the successful use of uterine mucosa for prelamination of the neourethra in an FtM patient who underwent hysterectomy and vaginectomy at the prelamination stage of a radial forearm phalloplasty. Three months postoperatively, the patient was able to void while standing and showed no evidence of stricture or fistula on retrograde cystogram. These results suggest that uterine mucosa may be used for prelamination of the penile neourethra in patients undergoing phalloplasty.