If you are a pre-op transman or if you do not plan to have bottom surgery, regular visits to the gynecologist are in order. While it may be uncomfortable, taking care of your reproductive health is imperative while on a regimen of hormones and other medications. Here are four ways to prepare to make the appointment run smoother and to communicate more effectively with your gyno. 

Give the office a heads up

Whether or not you have noted that you are a man, call to give the office a heads up prior to your appointment. Let the receptionist or gynecologist know that you are a transman and have not had any lower body operations performed. This will give those who work at the office a heads up so that they know that you need a regular gynecological check-up and they know what kind of pronouns to use to be respectful. 

Wear a few layers up top

Gynecologists will check your lower genitalia as well as your chest. If you are not used to being without your chest binding or do not want your upper region to be visible, dress in several layers on your way to the exam. This will allow your gynecologist to access your chest region in its current natural form, without having been pressed down. Wearing an oversized jacket with a shirt or two underneath can help you successfully hide your chest while not being too fussy to take off before the exam. 

Determine your terminology

If you are uncomfortable with the usual references to female body parts, be sure to discuss this with your gynecologist before the examination gets started. In the stead of the words vagina or breasts, you may find it more neutral or masculine to use upper chest region or lower genitalia. Talk over this with your gynecologist so that they can reformat the words that they use to make sure you are both comfortable and can communicate properly. 

Prep a list of your medications

All medications that you are on, whether related to your transformation or not, should be brought up with you gynecologist. Some medications or medication dosages may counteract the effects of the hormones that you are taking. If you feel like your medications are not working for you, or are not having the same effect, your gynecologist may also be able to recommend a new dosage or a new hormone brand.   

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