Contraception and Menstrual Management in Transmasculine and Gender-Diverse Individuals

Abstract

Purpose of Review This review outlines the current evidence on the contraceptive and menstrual management methods that are used for transmasculine or gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, as well as the gaps in the literature for this population. Recent Findings Contraception and menstrual management continue to be an understudied area in the care of TGD individuals, with much of existing research extrapolated from cisgender populations. Emerging studies have looked at contraceptive and menstrual management choices and outcomes in adolescents and highlight the 52 mg LNG-IUD as an option that is efficacious for both indications, as well as high-dose progestin-only pills for menstrual suppression only. Summary The best method for contraception and menstrual management is the one a patient feels most comfortable using. Clinicians should work to understand the nuances and interplay of pregnancy prevention, menstruation, and gender dysphoria in TGD patients to help them achieve their goals. Further research on these topics that focus on TGD populations is needed to better drive current recommendations and guidelines in supporting a vulnerable population.