Trans Men Health

Trans Health

For trans and non-binary people, getting good health care can be hard. Doctors/hospitals may be transphobic or they may not know much about your health concerns. This can make it tough to come out about your gender or medical history to them, and some trans and non-binary people may avoid seeking health care altogether. It is important to go for regular check-ups and to get professional help when something is wrong. Here are some suggestions to improve the quality of your health care:

1. Ask other trans and non-binary people about their health care providers and who they recommend. We all are part of various groups on whatsapp, also, you can always send an email to- the happytransman@protonmail.ch or write about your concern below here and we will respond to it.
2. Always ask the doctor questions about their training and experience with trans and non-binary health issues. You pay. You are a patient. You have the right.
3. Listen for how the provider speaks with you and whether you are encouraged to talk about your concerns in a culturally sensitive and nonjudgmental manner.
4. If you feel safe, come out or disclose to them so that you can be open about discussing the issues that are of concern to you and they can better understand how to help you stay healthy or get better.
5. If you do not feel comfortable with someone, look for another so that you can get the best health care possible.

Well this was general and generic health care. I would now like to concentrate on specifics of Trans health. Let’s begin with:

Emotional and Mental Health: –

Mental health is influenced by a sense of self-worth, the level of stress that people are subjected to, and the inclusiveness of their workplace and community. In India, the concept of TRANS folks is quite new. The most that people know about rainbow spectrum is limited to- Homosexuals, we need to make trans exposure a priority too. Some of the facts about trans emotional health: –

• Trans men experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide than the general population – This can be due to internalized, societal and institutional transphobia – These stresses can profoundly affect self-esteem, identity and self-acceptance.
• Unacceptance and rejection of our identity by family and close friends can further contribute to mental distress and challenges with coming out.
• Transition itself can be stressful with many barriers to overcome – Studies show that trans and non-binary people are most vulnerable from the time they decide to transition until they begin their process.

Tobacco/ Alcohol abuse: –

I know for a fact that I relied on both alcohol and cigarettes for the longest time to cope up with my trans issues. I still do! TOBACCO & SMOKING Research indicates that LGBTQ communities use tobacco at rates that are two to three times higher than those of the general population. Reasons for this include: –

• Used as a coping mechanism for high levels of stress.
• Tobacco industry marketing specifically to LGBTQ communities.
• Desire to belong to a group.
• Well it’s MASCULINE! (All of us thought that at some point or the other. Well guess what! It isn’t. The only thing that it is, is- self detrimental.

 It’s important to know that:

• Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in testosterone dominant bodies.
• Smoking slows down healing after surgery and increases the risk of complications.

BODY IMAGE

Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. We all struggle with body consciousness because we don’t have the bodies that we always wanted but it’s not wise to destroy that nature has given us. Your body is God’s precious gift to you and you must take care of it.

• Many trans and non-binary people have a negative body image due to discomfort with their physical bodies. Like I said before- it’s ok! It’s your body! Not a man’s or a woman’s. YOURS. And you should love it. I know I am using the ever invasive- should but in this case, it’s totally contextual.
• Some trans and non-binary people may excessively diet or exercise to make physical changes to achieve their desired gender expression. It’s wrong. Eat normal or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Trans and non-binary people who take hormones often gain weight and this may also lead to dieting or other changes in behaviour. Again, NO! weight gain is ok too. It’s a problem only if it’s hampering your day to day life. It also doesn’t mean that you stop exercising altogether but it also doesn’t mean that you start hyperventilating because of it. 😊
• Nutrition and weight concerns can become unhealthy if they make you feel depressed or cause physical harm.

Sexual Health

The topic no one wants to touch upon in India! Why is sex and sexual health such a taboo!? The three integral parts of human life on earth are- eating, sleeping and sex. Well, here I am not going to talk about how to have sex or what to do during sexual activities but about sexual health in terms of diseases and their prevention. Although, if you want me to write about the sex acts, do drop in a message below at the end of the blog (you can leave your name or post anonymously) and I shall take it up in the next blog.

A person’s risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STI) and blood-borne viruses (BBV) depends on the body parts and fluids involved in sexual activity with another person, NOT a person’s identity. Be open about your sexual activities when talking to a doctor or to a friend, being shy won’t take you anywhere. At the hospitals too, you are entitled to the type of STI testing that you want.

Be safe. Choose safe.

I hope I was able to touch upon things that matter to us as Trans-folks. I will continue writing, I will thank all the people in my whatsapp group who love to spread fears/rumours, without their instigation, I would never have taken upon myself the task of writing this blog!

Love you all! Join us on the following: –

For The Happy Transman whatsapp group- send a msg to- thehapppytransman@protonmail.ch

For really funny posts on Instagram: @thehappytransman (some funky male underwear!)

Twitter: @thehappytransman

Keep Smiling. Keep kicking the fear and bad moods.