Binding

  • There is an array of negative health effects associated with chest binding. Expand
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    There is an array of negative health effects associated with chest binding.

    There is a range of negative effects which chest binding can cause [1].

    A survey [2] of transmen who engaged in breast binding found that 68% were concerned about the health effects. The most common symptoms associated with binding were back pain (65%), shortness of breath (48.6%), bad posture (32%), chest pain (30%), and light-headedness (30%).

    REFERENCES

    [1] Peitzmeier, S., Gardner, I., Weinand, J., Corbet A. & Acevedo, K. (2017). Health impact of chest binding among transgender adults: a community-engaged, cross-sectional study. Culture, Health & Sexuality 19 (1): 64-75. [Link]

    [2] Poteat, T., Malik, M., & Cooney, E. (2018). Understanding the health effects of binding and tucking for gender affirmation. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science 2 (Suppl 1), 76. [Link]

    Binding
    females
    Social transition

  • There is evidence that chest binding has a statistically significant impact on lung function. Expand
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    There is evidence that chest binding has a statistically significant impact on lung function.

    A study [1] found that:

    Transgender individuals using chest binders have abnormal lung function. The acute effect of wearing the binder appears to be an overall volume reduction with little other change.

    REFERENCES

    [1] Cumming, R., Sylvester, K. & Fuld, J.P. (2016). Understanding the effects on lung function of chest binder use in the transgender population. Thorax 71. [Link]

    Binding
    females
    Social transition

  • A study which looked at 27 different negative health effects of binding found that some do not show for years. Expand
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    A study which looked at 27 different negative health effects of binding found that some do not show for years.

    A survey [1] of 1800 females who used breast binders reported a number of negative health effects which develop over time. Some of these effects are felt immediately. However, in other cases, it can take years for the negative health effects to be fully seen:

    REFERENCES

    [1] Peitzmeier, S.M., Silberholz, J., Gardner, I.H., Weinand, J. & Acevedo, K. (2021). Time to First Onset of Chest Binding-Related Symptoms in Transgender Youth. Pediatrics 147 (3). [Link]

    Binding
    females
    Social transition