Trans persons sometimes experience stress or anxiety when considering a possible physical examination by a healthcare provider (Williamson, 2010). This means that some trans persons will avoid consulting a doctor, and this in turn has adverse consequences for their health. Few trans persons talk openly with the healthcare provider (Motmans, 2009). According to the 2019 FRA LGBTI II Survey, 22% of trans people in Malta experienced discrimination in a healthcare setting in the 12 months before the survey. That is why it is important to create a safe healthcare environment​ in which the person feels comfortable. You can read some concrete tips for making your practice more inclusive in the factsheet​.

In addition, it is important to be aware of the stress that is often associated with a medical examination for trans persons, and to reassure the person if necessary. Explain what you will do and why this is necessary. Trans persons may have difficulties with certain parts of the body, such as the chest or genitals. You can name body parts in gender neutral terms (for example use ‘genitalia’ or ‘chest’), or ask what the desired term is that the patients themselves use for this part of the body.

Some trans persons do not have the anatomy that many cisgender people have. This can depend on which gender-affirming treatments the trans person has undergone or is undergoing. In addition, not all trans persons find all options within gender-affirming treatment necessary; certain treatments are not possible or desirable for all individuals, and this needs to be respected. For example, it may also be that a trans man still has breasts, or that the genitals were not modified. Some aspects of gender-affirming treatment also have an influence on certain parts of the body: hormone therapy​, for example, ensures that breast growth occurs in trans women. It is therefore best not to assume a ‘standard’ male or female anatomy.