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Access to Pap smears for transgender persons assigned female at birth: a review of barriers to care and possible solutions
Background Female to male (FTM) and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth (transmasculine and non-binary people, or TMNB) who retain their assigned female at birth (AFAB) reproductive anatomy are recommended to have regular preventive screenings to evaluate for the risk of cervical cancer. However, evidence currently suggests that many TMNB persons have had negative experiences with pelvic exams that make them wary of visiting their current physician or of trying to find another provider. There is a need to evaluate the present barriers to care and how they can be addressed to make preventive gynecological care more accessible for this community. Methods We conducted a qualitative review of current literature on the TMNB OB-GYN experience and guidelines for conducting preventive reproductive care for the TMNB population. Results We identified several barriers to Pap smear access for the TMNB population, such as: anti-transgender discrimination within the healthcare workplace; gender dysphoria associated with the Pap smear procedure; feminine-coded environmental visuals and language in office spaces and educational materials; and insurance barriers. Some solutions were found, including developing coping strategies, administration of self-performed exams, improved healthcare professional education on the needs of the transgender population, and gender-inclusive language and visuals. Conclusion We recommend that the solutions recommended in the literature be implemented in both active clinics and in medical schools to enhance the accessibility of and minimize or eliminate negative experiences associated with preventive reproductive care for the transgender community.