Introduction In order to foster dental and dental hygiene practices that are inclusive, sensitive to diversity, equitable, and without prejudice, a call to broadly teach cultural diversity within dental and dental hygiene education has been made. The research question of this study was "to what extent can an interactive and open dialogue about substance use, queer health, and social responsibility foster transformative learning?" Methods A collaborative and interdisciplinary project engaged the community as a teacher over the Summer and Fall of 2019 to address issues of substance use, queer health, and social responsibility and was delivered to 55 first-year undergraduate dental and 23 third-year dental hygiene students over three educational sessions. Dental and dental hygiene students were asked to reflect, in writing, on each session using between 200 and 400 words. Textual information from students' self-reflections and from the community's feedback were analyzed thematically for content (e.g., codes and themes). Results In total, 128 written reflections-for an average of 42 reflections per session-were gathered and analyzed interactively by the authors. Three major themes emerged: feeling privileged, breaking stereotypes, and coalescing learning. Feedback from the participating community members highlighted changes to be implemented in these sessions in the future, including more opportunities for small group activities in class.
Introduction Vaginal self-lubrication is central to the sexual satisfaction and healthy genitourinary function of patients who have undergone gender-affirming vaginoplasty (GAV). Secretory capacities of different neovaginal lining tissues have been variably described in the literature, with little evidence-based consensus on their success in providing a functionally self-lubricating neovagina. We review the existing neovaginal lubrication data and the anatomy, histology, and physiology of penile and scrotal skin, colon, and peritoneum to better characterize their capacity to be functionally self-lubricating when used as neovaginal lining. Objectives The study sought to review and compare the merits of penile and scrotal skin grafts, spatulated urethra, colon, and peritoneal flaps to produce functional lubrication analogous to that of the natal vagina in the setting of GAV. Methods We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Medline, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies published prior to December 12, 2022, that (1) included data specific to transfeminine individuals; (2) were full-text randomized controlled studies, case reports, case series, retrospective cohort studies, prospective cohort studies, qualitative studies, and cross-sectional studies; and (3) included specific discussion of vaginal lubrication or fluid secretion following GAV utilizing penile skin, colonic tissue, or peritoneum. Results We identified 580 studies, of which 28 met our inclusion criteria. Data on neovaginal lubrication were limited to qualitative clinician observations, patient-reported outcomes, and satisfaction measures. No studies quantifying neovaginal secretions were identified for any GAV graft or flap technique. Anatomically, penile and scrotal skin have no self-lubricating potential, though penile inversion vaginoplasty may produce some sexually responsive secretory fluid when urethral tissue is incorporated and lubricating genitourinary accessory glands are retained. Colonic and peritoneal tissues both have secretory capacity, but fluid production by these tissues is continuous, nonresponsive to sexual arousal, and likely inappropriate in volume, and so may not meet the needs or expectations of some patients. The impact of surgical tissue translocation on their innate secretory function has not been documented. Conclusions None of penile/scrotal skin, colon, or peritoneum provides functional neovaginal lubrication comparable to that of the adult natal vagina. Each tissue has limitations, particularly with respect to inappropriate volume and/or chronicity of secretions. The existing evidence does not support recommending one GAV technique over others based on lubrication outcomes. Finally, difficulty distinguishing between physiologic and pathologic neovaginal fluid secretion may confound the assessment of neovaginal self-lubrication, as many pathologies of the neovagina present with symptomatic discharge.
Introduction The transmasculine and gender diverse (TMGD) spectrum includes transgender men and non-binary individuals whose sex was assigned female at birth. Many TMGD patients pursue treatment with exogenous testosterone to acquire masculine characteristics. Some may choose to undergo gynecological gender-affirming surgery for total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy (TH/BSO). The decision to retain or remove the ovaries in the setting of chronic testosterone therapy has implications on reproductive health, oncologic risk, endocrine management, cardiovascular health, bone density and neurocognitive status. However, there is limited evidence on the long-term outcomes from this intervention. Objective Here we review health-related outcomes of oophorectomy in TMGD population treated with chronic testosterone therapy in order to guide clinicians and patients in the decision to retain or remove their ovaries. Method We conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies published prior to October 26, 2021 that: (i) included transgender men/TMGD individuals in the study populations; (ii) were full-text randomized controlled studies, case reports, case series, retrospective cohort studies, prospective cohort studies, qualitative studies, and cross-sectional studies; and (iii) specifically discussed ovaries, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, ovariectomy, or gonadectomy. Results We identified 469 studies, of which 39 met our inclusion criteria for this review. Three studies discussed fertility outcomes, 11 assessed histopathological changes to the ovaries, 6 discussed ovarian oncological outcomes, 8 addressed endocrine considerations, 3 discussed cardiovascular health outcomes, and 8 discussed bone density. No studies were found that examined surgical outcomes or neurocognitive changes. Conclusion There is little information to guide TMGD individuals who are considering TH/BSO versus TH/BS with ovarian retention. Our review suggests that there is limited evidence to suggest that fertility preservation is successful after TH/BS with ovarian retention. Current evidence does not support regular reduction in testosterone dosing following oophorectomy. Estradiol levels are likely higher in individuals that choose ovarian retention, but this has not been clearly demonstrated. Although bone mineral density decreases following oophorectomy, data demonstrating an increased fracture risk are lacking. No studies have described the specific impact on neurocognitive function, or changes in operative complications. Further research evaluating long-term health outcomes of oophorectomy for TMGD individuals treated with chronic testosterone therapy is warranted to provide comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare to this patient population.
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