An Exploration of the Views and Perspectives of Australian Trans and Gender Diverse Individuals About Transvaginal Ultrasound

TL;DR

This study explores how trans and gender diverse individuals in Australia experience transvaginal ultrasounds, revealing challenges related to inclusive healthcare.

Contribution

The study is the first to investigate the impact of gender identity on transvaginal ultrasound experiences among trans and gender diverse individuals.

Findings

Participants described mixed experiences with transvaginal ultrasound, including emotional distress and feelings of being a novelty.

Cisnormative documentation, staff attitudes, and inadequate informed consent were consistently highlighted as issues.

Three key themes emerged: detective-like experiences, the need to assert refusal, and feeling like a novelty.

Abstract

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is used routinely in gynecological care in Australia to manage gynecological health concerns. Typically, TVS is well tolerated by patients, with low levels of discomfort reported. Trans and gender diverse people assigned female at birth may experience gender dysphoria or testosterone‐related anatomical changes, which could make such intimate examinations physically difficult or emotionally distressing. However, to date, no studies have considered the impact of gender identity on individuals' experiences of TVS. To fill this research gap, we explored the experiences of TVS among trans and gender diverse individuals assigned female at birth within Australia.

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with trans and gender diverse individuals assigned female at birth who have experienced TVS in Australia. We analyzed all interviews in line with Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.

Ten trans and gender diverse individuals aged between 18 and 50 years old participated in this study. From their interviews, we developed three overarching themes: (1) It's a bit like being a detective, (2) So I could properly say, “I don't want this done,” and (3) I definitely felt like a novelty. Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences with TVS, with issues related to cisnormativity in documentation, staff attitudes, and inadequate informed consent consistently highlighted.

Trans and gender diverse people face challenges in accessing inclusive gynecological care in Australia. Our findings highlight a need for improved informed consent guidelines, better education and training for health professionals, and more inclusive clinic documentation to promote inclusive care.

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