This investigation examined needs and concerns of transgender youth and their families throughout the island of Newfoundland. Twenty-four youth and 21 parents completed qualitative questionnaires. Both parent and youth participants expressed concern about general practitioners’ lack of knowledge of transgender healthcare. Trans youths’ main concerns included lack of parental support, feelings of dysphoria, the desire to be fully accepted, and safety. Parents’ main concerns included wait times for care, their child’s mental health, lack of information or guidance, safety, and depathologizing their children’s identities. The findings point to six key recommendations for healthcare providers and policymakers.
Sexual and reproductive health is an important component of comprehensive health care for youth. This statement provides guidance for selecting and prescribing contraceptives for youth, including commonly prescribed hormonal contraceptives-the pill, patch, ring and injectable progestin-and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). LARCs, including subdermal implants (which are not available in Canada) and intrauterine contraceptives (IUCs), are substantially more effective during typical use than hormonal contraceptives. This statement endorses LARCs as the first-line option for contraception for Canadian youth, while emphasizing that providers must collaborate with youth to select a contraceptive method that is acceptable, safe, effective and practical for them. Strategies that eliminate obstacles to initiating and continuing contraception are provided.
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