Bioethical challenges and equity in inclusive gynecological care for transgender people
Abstract
Inclusive gynecological care for transgender individuals constitutes a fundamental challenge for healthcare systems seeking to guarantee respect for diversity and human rights. This historically marginalized population faces significant barriers in accessing appropriate gynecological services, resulting from prejudice, clinical unfamiliarity, and gaps in professional training. The aim of this literature review was to argue the importance of gynecological care and health in transgender people, identifying the main aspects of sex-affirming surgery, hormonal and surgical treatment, fertility preservation, and contraceptive strategies, with a focus on ethical and inclusive medicine. Following a comprehensive bibliographic review, relevant scientific articles were located in electronic databases and through scanning reference lists of articles in PubMed, Scielo, and Google Scholar. This review was limited to publications that analyzed infections, hormonal and surgical treatment, fertility preservation, and contraception. Articles containing information on gynecological health in transgender individuals were also included. Publications between 2021–2025 were considered, with translations into English and Spanish as appropriate, as well as texts from classical literature that contributed to the development of the research. Articles published before 2021 were excluded, as were those written in languages other than Spanish or English, and those containing information from fields other than gynecology or pertaining to groups other than transgender individuals.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Karellys Nathaly Saltos Bustamante , María Ilusión Solís Sánchez , Nancy Yolanda Urbina Romo
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