The following information is taken from NYU's Transgender Health and Wellness Brochure, viewable here.

Sections:
Hormones
If you have it, check it
STIs and Safer Sex
Sexual Assault and Violence

Hormones

Some transgender people use hormones during an anatomical and/or psychological transition. If you are interested in taking hormones please talk to your health provider about exploring this option. It is important to be monitored by a health care professional to make sure that

the hormones you are taking are safe for you. Hormones need time, not quantity, to work. Taking a greater amount of hormones does not mean the hormones will work faster. Buying hormones that have not been prescribed for you from a healthcare provider you know can be harmful. Always use a sterilized needle when injecting hormones. Sterile needles can be obtained from pharmacies with a prescription from a healthcare provider, or you can also buy sterile syringes and needles without a prescription at www.cottonballs.com.

If You Have It, Check It

Chest/Breast Self Exams should be performed every month.

Clinical Chest/Breast Exams are recommended once a year and are usually performed by a medical provider.

Mammograms are recommended once a year for people with breast tissue who are over age 40 or as determined by a health care provider.

Testicular Self Exam (TSE) should be performed once a month. Most cases of testicular cancer occur in those between the ages of 18-30.

Pelvic Exam and Pap Tests are recommended every year for people with a vagina, uterus, cervix and/or ovaries who are sexually active or over the age of 18. Schedule an exam if you have:

· Unusual vaginal or pelvic pain

· Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

· Pain, swelling, or tenderness of the vulva or vagina

· Sores, lumps, or itching of the vulva or vagina

Anal Pap Tests can help detect the presence of certain sexually transmitted infections and test for abnormal cells on the wall of the rectum that may lead to anal cancer.

Prostate Exams are particularly important for those over the age of 50. Talk with your health care provider about which of these exams is appropriate for you regardless of gender identity or expression.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Safer Sex

Regardless of your identity and the identity of your sexual partner(s), if you are sexually active you are at risk for sexually transmitted infections. In fact, one out of four sexually active individuals will have a sexually transmitted infection at some point in their life. Very often signs and symptoms of STIs are not visible or present, so the only way to know is to have a medical provider test you for STIs.

Sexual Assault and Violence

Sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Sexual violence can happen with someone you have just met, with an intimate partner, or with a stranger in a bias attack. Sometimes a person may have had a sexual encounter that has left them feeling confused, angry, or violated, but they have not defined their experience as sexual assault or sexual harassment. Your behavior/decisions does not cause sexual violence. No one asks to be sexually assaulted or sexually harassed. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, violence or harassment, look for contact information here.