The Experiences of Transmasculine People with Contraception and Menstruation: A Literature Review of Qualitative and Mixed Method Studies

• Published in: Transgender health Vol. 6; no. 6; pp. 33 - 314
• Main Author: Karrington, Baer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 01.12.2021; Mary Ann Liebert, Inc
• Subjects: Birth control; Cervical cancer; Cross-dressers; Gender dysphoria; Gender identity; Keywords; Literature reviews; Medical screening; Menstruation; Mental health; Mixed methods research; Non-binary gender; Ovulation; Pregnancy; Puberty; Review; Review Article; Social norms; Society; Subject heading schemes; Systematic review; Testosterone; Transgender persons; Vagina; qualitative; contraception; menstruation; transgender
• ISSN: 2688-4887; 2380-193X
• DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0047

Purpose: A paucity of research exists concerning transmasculine experience with contraception and menstruation, despite these being possible sources of dysphoria. Understanding how transmasculine people navigate contraception and menstruation can help improve the quality of care provided for this community. This literature review consequently aims to synthesize the existing qualitative and mixed methodology literature on how transmasculine people experience and navigate contraception and menstruation. Methods: A systematically guided literature review was conducted on March 15, 2020, using CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsychINFO, and Web of Science. Qualitative and mixed method studies written in English were included if (i) participants were transmasculine and older than 11 years, (ii) the research question focused on contraception and/or menstruation in the transmasculine community, and (iii) the study incorporated primary data. No publication time restrictions were placed. The analysis followed a meta-ethnographic approach, with the minority stress model and social norms theory used for guidance. Results: Five studies were found eligible for review, all published after 2015 and conducted in the United States. The majority of the total 360 participants were White and of a higher socioeconomic position. Three main thematic categories were present: (i) concerns with hormonal contraception use, including gender dysphoria and worries about interactions with testosterone; (ii) discrimination and fears around seeking health care, especially concerning the assumptions made by practitioners; and (iii) community as a positive influence, particularly for normalizing menstruation for transmasculine people. Conclusion: The data collected support the need for increased research concerning the interaction between hormonal contraception and testosterone. Reflection on assumptions, even ones made in an attempt to be supportive, can improve physician and transmasculine patient relationships. Finally, community normalization can be a powerful tool to decrease feelings of dysphoria around menstruation, and community voices should be included in all educational material concerning menstruation and contraception.