de Rooy Frédérique B B, Arnoldussen Marijn, Steensma Thomas D, Popma Prof. Arne, Kreukels Prof. Baudewijntje, de Vries Annelou

(237) LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP OF GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN EARLY TREATED TRANSGENDER ADOLESCENTS

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Objectives This study is the first to gain insight into long-term effects into adulthood of early gender affirming medical treatment in transgender adolescents on the development of gender identity and sexuality. Methods Transgender adolescents who started medical treatment between 1989-2000 and were treated with gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT), as well as transgender adolescents who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and subsequently started GAHT at least 9 years ago, were recruited for participation. Gender identity, experienced gender dysphoria and sexuality were measured with the Gender Diversity Questionnaire (GDQ), Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale (UGDS) and self-developed questions on sexuality and relationships. Results All 101 participants had used GAHT and 74 also used puberty suppression before starting hormonal treatment. Most identify as either “man” or “woman”, with 25% also identifying as “transgender”. In 81.2% the gender identity remained stable over time. On the UGDS, a mean total score of 14.5 (standard deviation 2.92) was found, indicating little to no experienced gender dysphoria. Over two-thirds of participants have had a relationship. For women, this was in 81.0% with a cisgender man and in men, this was in 83.1% with a cisgender woman. 73.3% of women reported to be attracted only to men and 13.3% to mostly men, but also women. 62.7% of men reported to be attracted only to women and 19.4% mostly to women, but also men. In both men and women, in almost 80% of participants the sexual attraction has never changed. Conclusions In this first long term follow-up into adulthood of transgender adolescents who received early medical gender affirming treatment, it was seen that after treatment participants experience gender congruence and experience little to no dysphoria. Gender identity and sexual attraction remain mostly stable throughout life. Sexual attraction is mostly to the opposite gender of particpants’ gender, with slightly more variety being seen in men. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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