Our gynaecology service is involved in some aspects of gender affirming care for transgender (trans) men, trans masculine and non-binary people — people whose sex assigned at birth was female (AFAB) and whose own personal sense of their gender identity does not align with that assignation.
We also see trans men, trans masculine and non-binary people whose sex assigned at birth was female (AFAB) and whose own personal sense of their gender identity does not align with that assignation who are not currently considering surgery to remove the uterus or ovaries that need help with other gynaecology problems.
What gender affirming healthcare is
Gender affirming healthcare can take many different forms, and people may seek some or all of these at different times. For trans men, trans masculine and non-binary people, this may include some or all of the following:
- hormone treatment such as puberty blockers or testosterone
- chest masculinisation or mastectomy — also known as 'top surgery'
- surgical removal of the womb (uterus) — hysterectomy
- surgical removal of one or both ovaries — oophorectomy
- genital surgery, such as phalloplasty or metoidioplasty — also known as 'lower surgery' or 'bottom surgery'
- psychological support, counselling and support with social affirmation and transition.
Where you can get gender affirming healthcare
Our gynaecology service considers referrals from community clinics to discuss surgery to remove the womb or ovaries if the person has been on testosterone for at least 2 years and has undergone a 'readiness for surgery' assessment with a psychologist.
Referrals for other surgeries are sent to Health NZ — Counties Manukau.
Gender affirming hormone therapy is usually provided by community clinics such as Sexual health clinics or Youth hub clinics, and these places also offer psychological support and counselling. Once gender affirming hormone therapy has started, you will generally be referred back to your healthcare provider, such as your GP, to continue prescriptions and maintenance.
If you are new to gender affirming healthcare or are unsure where to start, a chat with your healthcare provider, such as your usual GP, or the Sexual health service is a good place to start.
Sexual health — Healthpoint