Chest Binding and Care Seeking Among Transmasculine Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: Chest binding, or compressing the chest tissue, is a common practice among transmasculine individuals that can promote mental health, but frequently results in negative physical health symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of care seeking for binding-related health concerns among transmasculine adults.Methods: Descriptive statistics were calculated and logistic regression models were run using data from the Binding Health Project, a cross-sectional online survey among transgender adults who had practiced chest binding (n=1800). The analysis was restricted to transmasculine individuals who had consistent access to health care and were female assigned at birth or intersex (n=1273).Results: Of 1273 participants, 88.9% had experienced at least one binding-related symptom and 82.3% believed that it was important to discuss chest binding with their health care provider, while 14.8% had sought care related to binding. Participants reporting pain, musculoskeletal, or neurological symptoms had 3.19, 1.85, and 1.72 times the adjusted odds, respectively, of seeking care compared to those who did not report those symptoms (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.38–7.37; 1.12–3.06; 1.10–2.68). Care seeking was associated with feeling safe and comfortable initiating a conversation about binding with one's provider (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.07, 95% CI 1.32–3.24). Care seeking was not significantly associated with feeling comfortable receiving a chest examination (AOR=1.07, 95% CI 0.71–1.62).Conclusion: Low rates of care seeking for binding-related symptoms may be driven by lack of access to a provider with whom patients feel safe and comfortable, rather than by general discomfort with chest examinations. While transmasculine patients may be most likely to present with musculoskeletal, neurological, or pain-related concerns, providers should also assess for other symptoms. Providers should be familiar with the benefits and potential complications of binding and initiate non-stigmatizing positive discussions about binding with their transmasculine patients.

A Pediatric Transgender Medicine Curriculum for Multidisciplinary Trainees

“…A limitation of our curriculum is that some of the module content and references may not be the most up-to-date or all-inclusive at the time of this publication. As examples, since the creation of the modules, there has been more research pertaining to chest binding, 24 and there is a more current version of the Genderbread Person, which is used to explain gender to youth. 25 Additionally, our modules do not cite other resources, such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, 9 the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, 26 the American Academy of Pediatrics' policies on LGBTQ youth and care, 27 and the World Health Organization, 28 that may be helpful for those learning to provide gender-affirming care.…”

Promoção à saúde vocal em homens transgêneros

“…Percebeu-se que a maioria dos participantes que faz uso do item trouxe queixas de que precisa respirar várias vezes durante sua fala. Corroborando com o relato, dois estudos transversais realizados com população transgênero, demostrou que 74 a 75% relataram dores no peito, ombros, costas e abdômen, enquanto que 51 a 52% informaram problemas respiratórios (como falta de ar) 16,17 .…”

Transgender pediatric surgical patients—Important perioperative considerations

“…In some cases, binding may be an interim practice prior to undergoing top surgery. Methods vary and include the use of common household items like duct tape or plastic wrap, wearing multiple sports bras or layers, the use of elastic or compression bandages, wearing compression athletic wear, or wearing commercially available specially designed compression garments called “binders.” 43,44 …”

“…Back pain was the most common complaint, followed by chest and shoulder pain 44 . In a different analysis of that data set which focused on only transmasculine‐identified participants (those assigned female at birth with an identity falling on the masculine portion of the gender spectrum), severe pain (defined as ≥7 on a 1‐10 pain scale) was experienced by almost 40% 43 . Median frequency, intensity, and duration of binding were daily, 10 hours per day, and 2 years, respectively.…”