Genital tucking is the practice of hiding or minimizing the appearance of one’s genitals and gonads. It is practiced by transgender women and gender diverse individuals who were assigned male at birth. In this study, researchers designed a 27-question survey related to such factors as the length of time individuals spent tucked; how commonly and frequently; and understandings of, concerns for, and positive/negative history of potential adverse effects. Only 23% of the 98 respondents reported discussing tucking with their health care providers, in comparison to the 70% who said they would feel comfortable or very comfortable having this discussion. Those surveyed made several suggestions for providers to facilitate more productive discussion, such as asking permission and communicating empathy; however, the study also brings to light the need for more published data in order to create the evidence-based materials that can properly educate health care providers.
Genital Tucking Practices in Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients
Nicholas Kidd, MD, et al
University of Virginia Department of Family Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
PRE-EMBARGO LINK (Link expires at 5 p.m. EDT March 25, 2024)
Journal
The Annals of Family Medicine