Dados do Trabalho

Title

Multidisciplinary Care in Sex Reassignment

Objective

This study aims to highlight the importance of multidisciplinary care for transgender persons, drawing attention to the psychological support throughout the sex reassignment process. During transition stages, individuals may be offered hormone therapy and surgical procedure to induce body changes. Hormone therapy involves the administration of hormones to help develop physical characteristics that align with the person’s gender identity. Testosterone is used to stimulate clitoral growth and body hair growth, suppress menstrual cycles, and deepen the voice in the female-to-male transition. Conversely, estrogen is used to trigger the development of feminine traits, usually combined with an anti-androgen to inhibit hair growth, particularly facial hair, spontaneous erections, and to promote breast development. Testicular atrophy with a reduction in sperm volume is common. The impact of this type of intervention on fertility and its management is a subject of ongoing research.

Methods

The methods used to conduct this study were a literature review and data collection from previous research and articles related to the gender transition process. Specially, a bibliographic search was conducted using the keywords “transgender person” and “sex reassignment” in the following international databases: PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online. The inclusion criteria for this study consisted of literature published in national or foreign language. Following these criteria, six eligible bibliographies were selected for the research.

Results

Currently, the increased inclusion and attention to the healthcare needs of transgender persons have led to a growing desire to form families in a new context. Transgender men and women now have access to reproduction methods, and healthcare professionals must be well-informed about this dynamic, gender transition therapies available, and their impact on fertility in order to provide them with better guidance throughout the decision-making process. Regarding fertility preservation, healthcare professionals should advise patients to cryopreserve eggs, sperm, embryos, ovarian tissue, or testicular tissue before starting hormone therapy or undergoing definitive procedures such as the removal of ovaries or testicles, preserving the possibility of future parenthood. Our findings emphasize interdisciplinarity as a promising approach for all the people involved, including professionals and, most importantly, patients. We highlight the importance of the work of mental health professionals within the team to raise awareness among its members so that access to healthcare for this population is offered and provided meeting their specific demands.

Conclusion

The establishment of collaborative efforts among the multidisciplinary team, which should include mental health professionals, is essential, aiming to provide meticulous and supportive care that meets the needs and demands of the transgender population throughout the sex reassignment process. It is important that health care professionals are able to provide general advice on the proper use of hormones and closely monitor the treatment process. By doing so, this team will be able to provide both medical and emotional support, thus leading to a reduction in the occurrence of adverse events. This approach is essential for promoting the general well-being of this population.

Keywords

Transgender person; Hormone therapy; Fertility; Assisted Reproduction.