Here at the University of Miami Health System, our team is highly experienced in providing care for the LGBTQ+ community. From routine, preventive care and screenings to hormone therapy and complex gender-affirming surgery, we offer the full spectrum of services.
Our providers have specific knowledge in dealing with unique and sometimes sensitive issues and are prepared to give you compassionate care every step of the way.
Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about LGBTQ+ health services.
Simply googling “LBTQ health care” plus your city or geographic area is a great place to start. Some third-party organizations – such as GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality – have published databases to help LGBTQ+ individuals find health care providers. Speaking with other local members of the LGBTQ+ community or accessing community resources is another potential source of health care provider information.
At your first appointment, you can expect to undergo a basic medical checkup with a nurse or medical assistant, which will include taking your weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. You will then meet with a physician to review your health history, address any specific concerns that you have and perform physical exams, as needed.
Just like all individuals receiving medical care in the United States, your health care information and services are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). No one can access your medical information without your express written consent, and we will never release your records to anyone you have not authorized.
Our team have years of experience in providing services for the south Florida LGBTQ+ community. Our physicians and surgeons have undergone advanced, specialized training in their respective fields.
Our team have years of experience in providing services for the south Florida LGBTQ+ community. Our physicians and surgeons have undergone advanced, specialized training in their respective fields.
We offer comprehensive counseling services, including treatment for mental health disorders and counseling for those considering or undergoing gender-affirming services.
A diagnosis of gender identity disorder, or GID, is when there is a conflict between a person’s assigned or physical gender and the gender with which they identify.
The overall goal of hormone therapy is to help align the identified gender with the expressed or physical gender. Most types of hormone therapy involve taking an oral (by mouth) medication each day at home.
Transgender men may take testosterone to induce virilization (which can lead to the growth of facial hair and other male characteristics) and suppress feminizing characteristics.
Transgender women may take estrogen to help promote the development of more feminine characteristics. Transgender women can also take anti-androgens to help suppress masculine characteristics.
Changes caused by these hormones may be temporary or permanent. Taking hormones can interfere with your fertility and sexual function, so you should make sure to discuss all benefits and risks with your healthcare provider prior to starting hormone therapy.
At your appointment, you can expect to undergo a basic medical checkup with a nurse or medical assistant, which will include taking your weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. You may need to have your blood drawn for lab tests. You will then meet with a physician to review your health history, address any specific concerns that you have and perform physical exams, as needed. If you are exploring gender-affirming services, you will have ample time to discuss these with your physician.
Choosing which gender-affirming services or surgeries are right for you is ultimately a personal choice. However, working closely with a health care team that is experienced in gender-affirming services can help you make decisions based on your situation, health history, preferences and goals.
Simply googling “gender-affirming services” plus your city or geographic area is a great place to start. Some third-party organizations – such as GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality – have published databases to help LGBTQ+ individuals find health care providers. Speaking with other local members of the LGBTQ+ community or accessing community resources is another potential source of health care provider information.
Just like all individuals receiving medical care in the United States, your health care information and services are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). No one can access your medical information without your express written consent, and we will never release your records to anyone you have not authorized.
In some cases, you may be able to combine certain surgeries. For example, for female-to-male reassignment, we commonly perform the hysterectomy, oophorectomy and vaginectomy on the same day. Your physician will discuss what is best for your situation.
We offer comprehensive counseling services, including treatment for mental health disorders and counseling for those considering or undergoing gender-affirming services.
On average, you can expect to be fully recovered six to eight weeks after surgery. During the recovery period, you should rest and practice good hygiene to keep the surgical area clean and dry. Make sure you set and keep any follow-up appointments with your physician. Your care team will provide you with detailed recovery information specific to you and your procedure(s).
Your hormone doses may change after undergoing gender-affirming surgery. For example, if you underwent an orchiectomy (removal of testicles) as part of a male-to-female sex reassignment surgery, you will likely need a lower dose of estrogen post-surgery, since the testicles are no longer in place to produce testosterone. Your physician will create a customized post-surgical care plan for you, including current medication and hormone therapy instructions.
By mid-2020, elective surgeries have resumed and gender-affirming surgeries can be considered to be safe to undergo. Prior to undergoing a surgical procedure or being admitted to the hospital for any reason, you will need to undergo a COVID-19 test and receive a negative result. If you have a positive COVID-19 test, your gender-affirming surgery will be rescheduled after 14 days and you have a negative COVID-19 test.
Yes, there are options to preserve your future fertility if you decide to undergo hormone therapy or gender-affirming procedures. The most common form of fertility preservation is having your eggs or sperm preserved prior to beginning these procedures. Speak with your physician about the options available to you.
