Many people assume prostate cancer affects only cisgender men, but trans women also have a prostate unless it has been surgically removed, which is rare. Because of this, Do Trans Women have a Prostate is an important topic to understand the connection between trans women and prostate cancer, how it works, how transition affects prostate health, and what symptoms to look out for.
Prostate cancer awareness in trans women is often overlooked, many individuals may not realise they remain at risk. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, and can help protect long-term health.
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Do trans women have a Prostate?
Yes, Trans women do have a prostate, as hormone therapy and most gender-affirming surgeries do not remove it. The prostate may become smaller in size due to long-term oestrogen therapy or androgen suppression, but it continues to exist and function.
What does the prostate do in trans women?
The prostate is a small gland that contributes to sexual and urinary function. In trans women:
- Semen production decreases significantly due to hormone therapy.
- The gland may shrink (a process called Atrophy).
- It still plays a role in urinary control and pelvic floor function.
Although its activity is reduced, it does not disappear unless surgically removed.
How does having a prostate affect sex in trans women?
The prostate may still contribute to sexual sensation, even if hormone therapy reduces its function.
- Some trans women may still experience prostate-related pleasure or orgasms.
- Others may notice reduced fluid production or changes in orgasm intensity.
- The prostate can still become inflamed or infected, affecting comfort during sex.
- Sexual experience varies widely depending on hormone regimen, surgery, and individual anatomy.
Will the prostate be removed during gender-affirming surgery?
In most cases, no. Gender-affirming genital surgery (vaginoplasty) typically does not remove the prostate. Removal would pose significant surgical risks, including nerve damage affecting bladder and sexual function. Because the prostate remains, ongoing prostate health monitoring is important.
What prostate problems can trans women get?
Trans women can experience the same prostate conditions as cis men, including:
- Prostatitis (inflammation or infection)
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), less common due to hormone suppression
- Prostate stones
- Prostate cancer
Hormone therapy may reduce the likelihood of some conditions but does not eliminate them entirely.
Can trans women get prostate cancer?
Yes, Trans women can get prostate cancer because the prostate remains in place.
However, the risk may be different than in cisgender men due to hormonal and surgical factors.
What is the risk of prostate cancer in trans women?
As per current research suggests, the overall risk may be lower than in cisgender men because androgens (male hormones) fuel prostate cancer and many trans women take androgen-suppressing therapies.
However, cases have been reported, especially in older trans women or those who have been on hormone therapy for a short time. Age, genetics, and hormone history play important roles. Prostate cancer risk is not zero.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer in trans women?
The risk factors for prostate cancer in trans women include:
- Age over 50
- Family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer
- Not consistently using hormone therapy or stopping it for long periods
- High testosterone levels before transition
- Obesity and lifestyle factors
- Ethnicity ie; Black individuals have higher risk
- Long life expectancy after gender-affirming surgery
Hormone therapy may reduce risk, but regular screening remains important.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer in trans women?
The symptoms of prostate cancer in trans women are similar to those in cisgender men and may include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak urine flow
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pelvic, lower back, or hip pain
- Unexplained weight loss
Some trans women may not notice symptoms early, particularly after genital surgery, so regular medical check-ups are essential.
Conclusion
Do trans women have a prostate is a proven theory. Trans women have a prostate, and although the gland may shrink and function differently after hormone therapy, it can still develop medical conditions including prostate cancer.
Regular monitoring, awareness of symptoms, and consultation from top healthcare consultants are key to early diagnosis and effective treatment. Your gender identity does not change your need for prostate health awareness.
FAQs
1. Do trans women have a prostate?
Yes, Trans women still have a prostate because hormone therapy and most gender-affirming surgeries do not remove it. The prostate may become smaller, but it remains in the body.
2. Can trans women get prostate cancer?
Yes, Trans women can still get prostate cancer because they still have a prostate. The risk may be lower due to hormone therapy, but it is not zero.
3. Do trans men have a prostate?
No, Trans men do not have a prostate because the prostate is part of male anatomy. Some trans men may have residual tissues after surgery, but they do not have a functioning prostate gland.
4. Does hormone therapy affect prostate cancer risk in trans women?
Yes, Oestrogen and testosterone blockers can lower the activity of the prostate, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but they do not remove the risk completely.
5. What symptoms of prostate cancer should trans women look out for?
Trans women should get consultation, if they notice trouble urinating, weak urine flow, blood in urine or semen, pelvic or lower back pain, and needing to urinate often, especially at night.
6. Can trans women have a PSA blood test?
Yes, trans women, non-binary people assigned male at birth, and some intersex individuals have the same right to a PSA blood test as cisgender men.
