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While long-term study is lacking, one case study suggests that tucking can affect fertility. Expand
While long-term study is lacking, one case study suggests that tucking can affect fertility.
In a case study [1] of one transwoman, tucking resulted in oligospermia – an abnormally low sperm count – affecting fertility. Elevation of the testes because of tucking may contribute to heat stress and consequent impairment of spermatogenesis.
After cessation of tucking and the provision of a new sperm sample, the sperm count in the patient was improved, and the semen had increased opacification.
A further study [2] found that tucking could create a suboptimal environment for spermatogenesis.
REFERENCES
[1] Trussler, J. T., & Carrasquillo, R. J. (2020). Cryptozoospermia Associated With Genital Tucking Behavior in a Transwoman. Reviews in urology, 22 (4), 170–173. [Link]
[2] Debarbo, C.J.M. (2020). Rare cause of testicular torsion in a transwoman: A case report. Urology Case Reports 33. [Link]
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One case study suggests that tucking can cause testicular torsion. Expand
One case study suggests that tucking can cause testicular torsion.
A case study [1] found that one transwoman had testicular torsion as a result of tucking.
Testicular torsion – the rotation of the testes and subsequent arterial constriction – can present as severe acute unilateral scrotal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If permanent ischemic damage results, delay in treatment may be associated with decreased fertility, or may necessitate orchiectomy [2].
REFERENCES
[1] Debarbo, C.J.M. (2020). Rare cause of testicular torsion in a transwoman: A case report. Urology Case Reports 33. [Link]
[2] Sharp, V. J., Kieran, K. & Arlen, A. M. (2013). Testicular Torsion: Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management. Am Fam Physician 88 (12): 835-840. [Link]
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In one survey, 50% of transwomen who tucked were concerned about negative health effects. Expand
In one survey, 50% of transwomen who tucked were concerned about negative health effects.
A survey [1] of transwomen who tucked (the process of reducing the visible male crotch bulge) reported that half were concerned about the health effects of tucking.
Their reported symptoms included itching (28%), rash (21%), testicular pain (17%), penile pain (14%), and skin infections (12%).
In addition, patients may be reluctant to seek medical care for testicular complaints and when they do, it may be already late to salvage the testis. [2]
REFERENCES
[1] 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]
[2] Debarbo, C.J.M. (2020). Rare cause of testicular torsion in a transwoman: A case report. Urology Case Reports 33. [Link]