Puberty is a time of significant hormonal changes in the body that lead to the development of external sexual characteristics. For transgender young people who do not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth, these changes can be distressing. Puberty blockers offer a temporary solution by halting these developments, giving young people the opportunity to explore their gender identity without the added stress of physical changes.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Amsterdam UMC shed light on the long-term effects of puberty blockers on sexual satisfaction and sexual problems in transgender adults. The study involved 70 transgender adults who had started puberty blockers and later received gender-affirming hormones. The participants were surveyed about their sexual experiences, satisfaction, and any sexual problems they may have encountered, on average 14 years after the start of their treatment.
The results, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine & Research, revealed that more than half of trans men and 40% of trans women reported being satisfied with their sex lives, comparable to the cisgender population. Interestingly, the age at which puberty blockers were started did not seem to have an impact on sexual satisfaction later in life.
Most participants did not experience significant issues with desire, arousal, or achieving orgasm. The most common sexual problem reported by trans men was difficulty initiating sexual contact, while trans women often mentioned challenges with reaching orgasm. However, these problems were generally not perceived as highly distressing by the participants.
These findings are crucial for healthcare providers working with transgender youth, as they can help alleviate concerns about sexual functioning in the future. By informing young people about what to expect sexually after puberty blockers, healthcare providers can better support them through their gender transition journey. It is essential to recognize that sexual experiences are multifaceted and influenced by both physical and psychosocial factors.
Isabelle van der Meulen, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of addressing psychosocial aspects of sexuality during counseling. Issues like initiating sexual contact are not solely related to the physical effects of hormone therapy but also involve emotional and interpersonal dynamics. By taking a holistic approach to sexual health, healthcare providers can better support transgender individuals in their journey towards sexual fulfillment.
The study concludes that puberty blockers do not cause long-term problems with sexual functioning in transgender adults. These insights can help guide healthcare providers in providing comprehensive care to transgender youth and empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By addressing the complexities of sexual experiences, healthcare providers can ensure that transgender individuals receive the support they need to lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.
For more information, you can refer to the study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine & Research. This research was conducted by Amsterdam UMC and provides valuable insights into the sexual experiences of transgender adults who have undergone puberty suppression treatment during adolescence.
