Opinion

An Overview of Gender-Affirming Care for Children and Adolescents
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
It is important to clarify which treatments are considered for children and which are considered for adolescents.
Opinion

The multiple meanings of sex
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
There exist three definitions for sex: chromosomal, gonadal, and phenotypic.
Opinion

Updates on pregnancy outcomes in transgender men
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
Based on current evidence, transmasculine patients are not at greater risk for perinatal complications than their cisgender counterparts.
Opinion

Robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
Robotic procedures are quickly emerging as alternative options for both primary and revisional surgeries.
Opinion

Preoperative preparation for gender-affirming vaginoplasty surgery
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
Gender-affirming genital surgery is not only a complex surgical procedure but also requires extensive preoperative education and postoperative...
Opinion

Hormonal management of gender-diverse patients: SOC8 updates
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
The approach to gender-affirming hormonal treatment depends on the patient’s goals and the age at which the patient is seeking to medically...
Opinion

Caring for the aging transgender patient
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
Compared with lesbian, gay, and bisexual elders of age-matched cohorts, transgender elders have significantly poorer overall physical health,...
Opinion

Sexual function in transfeminine patients following gender-affirming vaginoplasty
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
It cannot be emphasized enough that the best predictor of unsatisfactory sexual function after genital gender-affirming surgery is poor sexual...
Opinion

Mental health assessment for gender-diverse patients
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
While not all patients with gender dysphoria need therapy, the role of a mental health provider who specializes in gender-affirming care in the...
Opinion

Urinary incontinence in transfeminine patients
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
Obstetrician/gynecologists are familiar with assessing and treating cisgender female patients reporting incontinence and should use this same...
Opinion

Breast anatomy and augmentation in transfeminine individuals
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
There are nuances in patient demographics, anatomy, and surgical technique that obstetricians/gynecologists should be aware of when examining...
Opinion

‘Don’t say gay’: The politicization of gender-diverse youth
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
As a result of ongoing stigma, many gender-diverse patients are hesitant to seek out professional medical care, which includes mental health care...
Opinion

Obstetrical care for gender diverse patients: A summary from the SMFM annual meeting
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
One of the biggest challenges in caring for transgender patients who desire pregnancy is the psychological distress related to the gendered...
Opinion

Detransition, baby: Examining factors leading to ‘detransitioning’ and regret in the transgender community
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
Comments about the finality of gender-affirmative procedures by cisgender people reveal a more deep-seated issue – general distrust of individual...
Opinion

The significance of Transgender Awareness Week
- Author:
- K. Ashley Brandt, DO
Unfortunately, 2021 marks the worst year in recent history for transgender violence and anti-LGBT legislation.