Authors: Boerner, K, E., Fox, D, A., Du, L., Metzger, D, L., Marshall, S., Moore, E, M., Narang, P., Wharton, M. & Oberlander, T, F.
Date of publication: 2025
Journal: Pediatrics
Summary: This Canadian study explored the experiences of gender-diverse youth who live with chronic pain. They conducted semi-structured interviews over Zoom with 19 young people aged 13-18 years who represented a variety of genders.
The findings suggest a complex relationship with pain, with some pain being desirable (e.g. chest binding, injecting pain from hormones) with other pain making the young people feel even more separated from a body that does not align with their gender identity. A changing relationship with their body presented challenges to managing pain, as well as their physical and mental health.
Whilst many of the barriers that were highlighted were not unique to TGD youth (e.g. long wait times, diagnostic uncertainty, significant functional impact of pain) TGD youth who live with chronic pain have their own diverse and unique experiences, needs and perspectives and in order to provide appropriate care for this population, professionals need to be knowledgeable about these.
You can read the full study here
1
2
3
4
5
Skip this question >