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The human papillomavirus (HPV) carries a significant health risk for people with a cervix. Among transgender and nonbinary people, however, testing and treatment for HPV can pose difficulties and even be traumatic at times. This study is part of a larger mixed-methods study conducted in Michigan in 2020, and it explores the experiences of transmasculine and nonbinary people with at-home self-swabbing HPV test kits and knowledge of HPV transmission/screenings. Phenomenological qualitative methods were used by conducting virtual qualitative interviews with ten transmasculine and nonbinary individuals with cervixes, ages 23–59. Interviews were independently coded by members of the research team and a tabletop theming method was used. Four themes were generated from the data: (1) multilevel barriers; (2) "get it done, so I know that I am safe"; (3) contrasting preferences for care; and (4) community calls for change. The discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for improving sexual health care for the transgender and nonbinary community, along with directions for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess health beliefs and behaviors, experience of pain, coping mechanisms, sexual function, and attitudes toward counseling of patients newly diagnosed with vulvodynia., Materials and Methods: Participants were enrolled from all newly diagnosed vulvodynia patients seen at the University of Michigan Vulvar Disease Clinic at Chelsea. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing perceptions and beliefs about their vulvodynia, coping ability, sexual function, and interest in counseling., Results: Thirty-one women were enrolled, ranging in age from 21 to 81 years; 68% had current partners. On a scale of 1 to 10 (low to high), participants rated their symptoms as severe-(mean [SD] = 7.42 [1.50]), perceived little control over symptoms (2.61 [2.64]); were very concerned about symptoms (8.77 [1.73]); and were very emotionally affected by their disorder (7.00 [2.82]). During the previous 4 weeks, 52% reported low to no sexual desire; 71% reported being dissatisfied with their overall sex life; 26% were not comfortable saying no to partner sex; 23% to 36% did not attempt penetration; and for 36%, their pain was rated as high or very high. Sixty-one percent of women indicated that they would consider counseling for coping with vulvar pain. In addition, 29% (9/31) said they "would" and 48% (15/31) said they "maybe would" consider seeing a sex therapist for their vulvar pain., Conclusions: Women with newly diagnosed vulvodynia report substantial impact of vulvar pain but feel little control over symptoms. Sexual desire and sexual satisfaction are low. Most of the respondents would consider counseling to help address these issues.