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Nonprescribed hormone use and self-performed surgeries: "do-it-yourself" transitions in transgender communities in Ontario, Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Rotondi, N.K.
  • Bauer, G.R.
  • Scanlon, K.
  • Kaay, M.
  • Travers, R.
  • Travers, A.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the extent of nonprescribed hormone use and self-performed surgeries among transgender or transsexual (trans) people in Ontario, Canada. Methods. We present original survey research from the Trans PULSE Project. A total of 433 participants were recruited from 2009 to 2010 through respondentdriven sampling. We used a case series design to characterize those currently taking nonprescribed hormones and participants who had ever self-performed sex-reassignment surgeries. Results. An estimated 43.0% (95% confidence interval = 34.9, 51.5) of trans Ontarians were currently using hormones; of these, a quarter had ever obtained hormones from nonmedical sources (e.g., friend or relative, street or strangers, Internet pharmacy, herbals or supplements). Fourteen participants (6.4%; 95% confidence interval = 0.8, 9.0) reported currently taking nonprescribed hormones. Five indicated having performed or attempted surgical procedures on themselves (orchiectomy or mastectomy). Conclusions. Past negative experiences with providers, along with limited financial resources and a lack of access to transition-related services, may contribute to nonprescribed hormone use and self-performed surgeries. Promoting training initiatives for health care providers and jurisdictional support for more accessible services may help to address trans people's specific needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Rotondi, N.K. & Bauer, G.R. & Scanlon, K. & Kaay, M. & Travers, R. & Travers, A., 2013. "Nonprescribed hormone use and self-performed surgeries: "do-it-yourself" transitions in transgender communities in Ontario, Canada," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(10), pages 1830-1836.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301348_1
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301348
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    Cited by:

    1. Maccio, Elaine M. & Ferguson, Kristin M., 2016. "Services to LGBTQ runaway and homeless youth: Gaps and recommendations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 47-57.
    2. Davide Costa, 2023. "Transgender Health between Barriers: A Scoping Review and Integrated Strategies," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-29, May.
    3. Erin Ziegler & Ruta Valaitis & Nancy Carter & Cathy Risdon & Jennifer Yost, 2020. "Primary Care for Transgender Individuals: A Review of the Literature Reflecting a Canadian Perspective," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(3), pages 21582440209, September.
    4. August-Rae, Brianna C. & Baker, Jonathan T. & Buzzanell, Patrice M., 2024. "“Not just rebellious, it's revolutionary”: Do-it-yourself hormone replacement therapy as Liberatory Harm Reduction," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 345(C).
    5. MacKinnon, K.R. & Ashley, F. & Kia, H. & Lam, J.S.H. & Krakowsky, Y. & Ross, L.E., 2021. "Preventing transition “regret”: An institutional ethnography of gender-affirming medical care assessment practices in Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 291(C).
    6. Ann‐Christin von Vogelsang & Camilla Milton & Ingrid Ericsson & Lars Strömberg, 2016. "‘Wouldn't it be easier if you continued to be a guy?’ – a qualitative interview study of transsexual persons’ experiences of encounters with healthcare professionals," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(23-24), pages 3577-3588, December.
    7. Clark, Kirsty A. & White Hughto, Jaclyn M. & Pachankis, John E., 2017. "“What's the right thing to do?” Correctional healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes and experiences caring for transgender inmates," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 80-89.

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