Gender and Sexuality in Canadian Medical Practice
Introduction
Understanding Gender and Sexuality is a critical component of the MCCQE1 objectives under the Population Health, Ethical, Legal, and Organizational Aspects of Medicine (PHELO) category. As a Canadian physician, you are expected to demonstrate cultural safety, inclusivity, and specific clinical knowledge regarding the 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, +) community.
The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) emphasizes the CanMEDS Communicator and Health Advocate roles when assessing these topics. You must differentiate between biological sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation to provide appropriate care.
Canadian Context: In Canada, the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ places “2S” (Two-Spirit) at the beginning to acknowledge Indigenous peoples as the first inhabitants of the land and to honor their specific cultural understandings of gender and sexuality.
Core Definitions and Terminology
To answer MCCQE1 questions correctly, you must possess a precise command of terminology. Confusing these terms can lead to errors in data gathering and management.
| Term | Definition | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Sex | Assigned at birth based on physical characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, anatomy). | Relevant for organ-specific screening (e.g., prostate, cervix). |
| Gender Identity | A person’s internal, deeply held sense of being a man, woman, both, neither, or somewhere in between. | Determines how you address the patient (pronouns, name). |
| Gender Expression | How a person presents their gender outwardly (clothing, behavior, voice). | May or may not align with gender identity or societal expectations. |
| Cisgender | Identity aligns with sex assigned at birth. | The majority population; often the reference group in studies. |
| Transgender | Identity differs from sex assigned at birth. | May require gender-affirming medical/surgical care. |
| Non-binary | Identity is not exclusively male or female. | May use “they/them” pronouns. |
| Two-Spirit | A pan-Indigenous term for a person identifying as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit. | Specific to Indigenous cultures; requires culturally safe care. |
| Sexual Orientation | Who a person is physically, romantically, or emotionally attracted to. | Distinct from gender identity. |
The Gender Unicorn Concept
Remember that Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Sex Assigned at Birth, Physical Attraction, and Emotional Attraction are all independent variables. A transgender man (identity) can be gay (attracted to men).
Clinical Approach: The Communicator Role
Effective communication is highly tested on the MCCQE1. Creating a safe environment is the first step in gathering an accurate history.
Inclusive History Taking
Step 1: Setting the Stage
Introduce yourself and state your pronouns. This signals safety and invites the patient to share theirs. “Hello, I’m Dr. Lee. I use she/her pronouns. How would you like to be addressed?”
Step 2: Confidentiality
Reiterate confidentiality, especially with adolescents, unless there is a risk of harm to self or others (standard Canadian legal requirement).
Step 3: The 5 Ps of Sexual History
When taking a sexual history, use the 5 Ps mnemonic. This is a standard framework for MCCQE1 preparation.
1. PARTNERS: "Do you have sex with men, women, or both?"
2. PRACTICES: "What kind of sexual contact do you have (oral, vaginal, anal)?"
3. PROTECTION from STIs: "How do you protect yourself from STIs?"
4. PAST HISTORY of STIs: "Have you ever been diagnosed with an STI?"
5. PREGNANCY INTENTION: "Are you or your partner trying to get pregnant?"Step 4: Organ Inventory
For transgender and non-binary patients, conduct an “organ inventory” rather than making assumptions. “To provide the best care, I need to know what organs you currently have. Do you have a cervix? Prostate? Breasts?”
Health Disparities and Epidemiology
The MCCQE1 tests knowledge of population health risks. The 2SLGBTQIA+ population in Canada faces significant health disparities, largely driven by the Minority Stress Model.
Key Disparities
- Mental Health: Significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality, particularly among trans youth.
- Substance Use: Higher rates of tobacco, alcohol, and substance use as coping mechanisms.
- Screening Gaps: Lower rates of cancer screening (e.g., cervical cancer screening in transgender men) due to dysphoria or lack of provider knowledge.
MCCQE1 High-Yield: Transgender men with a cervix must undergo cervical cancer screening according to the same guidelines as cisgender women (every 3 years starting at age 25 in most provinces), provided they have engaged in sexual activity.
Gender-Affirming Care
Management of gender dysphoria involves a multidisciplinary approach. The goal is to align the body and social presentation with the internal gender identity.
Diagnosis: Gender Dysphoria (DSM-5-TR)
A marked incongruence between one’s experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender, lasting at least 6 months, causing clinically significant distress or impairment.
Treatment Modalities
Social Transition
Social Transition
- Name and pronoun changes.
- Changes in clothing, hair, and mannerisms.
- Legal changes (ID documents).
- Clinical Pearl: This is completely reversible and is the first line of support, especially for prepubertal children.
Legal and Ethical Aspects (PHELO)
Conversion Therapy
As of January 2022, Bill C-4 amended the Criminal Code to ban conversion therapy in Canada. It is a criminal offense to cause another person to undergo conversion therapy, including providing, promoting, or advertising it.
- Implication: Physicians must affirm gender identity and sexual orientation; attempting to “change” a patient is illegal and unethical.
Human Rights
Bill C-16 added gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act. Discrimination in healthcare access based on these factors is prohibited.
Consent and Capacity
- Mature Minor Doctrine: In Canada, adolescents can consent to medical treatment (including hormones) if they demonstrate the capacity to understand the risks and benefits, independent of parental consent (varies slightly by province, e.g., Quebec age 14).
Sample Question
Case Scenario
A 26-year-old transgender man presents to the family medicine clinic for a routine health maintenance visit. He has been on testosterone therapy for 4 years and has undergone a bilateral mastectomy. He has not had genital surgery. He is sexually active with men and reports no current symptoms. His last Pap test was 5 years ago and was normal.
Question
Which one of the following is the most appropriate management regarding cancer screening for this patient?
- A. No cervical cancer screening is required due to testosterone therapy.
- B. Perform a Pap test today.
- C. Refer for a transvaginal ultrasound to assess endometrial thickness.
- D. Perform a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
- E. Discontinue testosterone for 2 weeks prior to performing a Pap test.
Explanation
The correct answer is:
- B. Perform a Pap test today.
Detailed Explanation:
- B is correct: Canadian guidelines (e.g., Cancer Care Ontario, CPATH) recommend that anyone with a cervix, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, should follow standard cervical screening guidelines. In most provinces, this is every 3 years starting at age 25 for those who are sexually active. This patient has a cervix and is due for screening.
- A is incorrect: Testosterone therapy induces atrophy but does not eliminate the risk of HPV infection or cervical cancer.
- C is incorrect: Ultrasound is not a screening tool for cervical cancer. While testosterone can cause endometrial atrophy, routine ultrasound screening is not recommended unless there is vaginal bleeding.
- D is incorrect: While this patient does not have a prostate (assuming female assigned at birth without specific rare intersex conditions), even if he did, PSA screening at age 26 is not indicated.
- E is incorrect: It is not necessary to stop testosterone before a Pap test. However, using topical estrogen for a few days before the exam or using a smaller speculum/lubricant can reduce discomfort associated with vaginal atrophy.
Key Points to Remember for MCCQE1
- Organ-Based Screening: Screen based on the organs present, not the gender identity. (e.g., Trans women have a prostate; Trans men usually have a cervix).
- Cultural Safety: Misgendering (using wrong pronouns) is a barrier to care. Apologize and correct immediately if it happens.
- Adolescent Care: Puberty blockers (GnRH analogues) are reversible. Cross-sex hormones are partially reversible. Surgery is irreversible.
- HIV Prevention: Assess eligibility for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women with risk factors.
- Vaccination: Ensure HPV vaccination is offered to all genders (Gardasil-9 is indicated up to age 45 in Canada).
Canadian Guidelines
- SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada): Guidelines on reproductive options for transgender and non-binary people.
- CPATH (Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health): Ethical guidelines and standards of care.
- WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health): Standards of Care (SOC 8) - widely adopted in Canada.
- Public Health Agency of Canada: STI guidelines (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV) and PrEP recommendations.
References
- Coleman, E., et al. (2022). Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8. International Journal of Transgender Health.
- Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health (CPATH). Ethical Guidelines for Professionals.
- Rainbow Health Ontario. (2020). Sherbourne Health’s Guidelines for Gender-Affirming Primary Care with Trans and Non-Binary Patients.
- Government of Canada. (2022). Bill C-4: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy).
- Medical Council of Canada. (2024). MCCQE Part I Clinical Decision-Making and Multiple-Choice Question Objectives.