A little freaked out.

Hi elliotsky,

Thanks so much for your post. I hope you're managing to stay cool in this heat!

Firstly I'd like to say that it's amazing, and brave to go and speak to your GP about how you're feeling. I know it's a difficult thing for trans people to do as there are legitimate concerns around the way our health service handles gender affirmative care. You did it, and it's a brilliant and important move. Take a step back and give yourself some congratulations for that.

I can understand why you might be somewhat puzzled by the physical examination. I'm not a clinician, nor was I at the appointment, so I can't comment on why the GP might have asked for the examination, but you have a right to know why. They can't just demand to examine you without giving a reason, and its your right as a patient to be informed about your care. It could be, of course, that they want to examine you related to the health issues you mention above. If you're uncomfortable I would ask for confirmation as to why they are asking for the examination, and exactly what it will contain. If you're unsatisfied with the reason or doesn't sit easy with you, then you can also request a different GP.

The best people to talk to around this would be trans organisations like Mermaids (if you're under 25) or possibly Gendered Intelligence or CliniQ. They will have the information about whether a physical exam post-declaration of gender dysphoria is common, necessary, or appropriate. To my mind (and once again, I'm not a clinician) it does seem odd, but best speak with some people who are more in the know.

In the meantime something you can do is read up on your rights as a trans patient and how you should be treated. There are some great resources out there like our guide to trans healthcare on LGBT HERO or there is this excellent resource from LGBT Foundation around support for trans patients. Here's a little extract from that resource:

• You have the right to be treated with as much respectas any other patient at the practice
• You have the right not to experience discrimination or harassment
  You have the right to have your name and gender recognised at the practice
• You have the right to be referred on to services you require
• You have the right to receive prescribed treatment such as hormones
• You have the right to be offered cancer screenings relevant to you