Anatomical and sexual health considerations among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty: A review

Int J STD AIDS. 2022 Feb;33(2):106-113. doi: 10.1177/09564624211046997. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

Abstract

As acceptance of transgender and gender diverse individuals continues to increase, gender-affirming surgery, a cornerstone in the management of gender dysphoria, is becoming more readily available. HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect these populations, but there are limited epidemiologic and management data on STIs in people who have undergone gender-affirming genital surgery such as vaginoplasty. This review will provide clinicians with anatomical details about the various vaginoplasty procedures currently being performed, complications associated with these procedures, and an overview of the current literature describing HIV/STI epidemiology among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty.

Keywords: Transgender; neovagina; sexually transmitted infections; vaginoplasty.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • HIV Infections*
  • Humans
  • Sex Reassignment Surgery* / methods
  • Sexual Health*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases*
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Transsexualism* / surgery