Sexual Health & Wellness for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals
Providing transgender and gender non-binary patients with access to comprehensive, affirming sexual health and wellness services is one of our top priorities. Our physicians have specific expertise in caring for gender diverse patients and are committed to earning your trust.
Expertise in HIV Treatment and Prevention
UChicago Medicine is home to the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, which aims to eliminate HIV transmission events over the next 30 years through integrated structural and community-specific services for South Side communities and majority Black suburbs south of Chicago. You can often see members of our team providing services through our mobile health van at local cultural events for the LGBTQ+ community.
We have also received research grants to improve screening for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual health education.
Sexual Health & Wellness Services Available
We offer a variety of services including:
- STI prevention and treatment
- HIV treatment
- HIV prevention
- HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
- Hepatitis C treatment
To make an appointment with one of our physicians, call 1-888-824-0200 and ask for the Trans CARE clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your concern, but our top priority is understanding your treatment goals and building your trust. We take time getting to know you, and we make sure we have your consent during every part of the exam. If you would prefer to postpone a genital exam, we will wait until you are ready.
Several studies have now shown that HIV treatment medications do not have a significant effect on gender-affirming hormone therapy. If you are living with HIV, our physicians can work with you to develop an HIV treatment plan that works best for you.
Studies show that people who have anal sex have higher rates of anal cancer. This risk is also higher among people living with HIV. We can suggest ideas to lower your risks for anal cancer. We can also show you how to conduct self-exams to lower your risk for other types of cancer, depending on your anatomy. Our goal is to help you feel empowered about your body and confident to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
PrEP is a medication you can take to prevent HIV if you are HIV-negative and are at risk for acquiring HIV. There are currently two medications available for PrEP (Truvada® and Descovy®). Other options are currently being studied and should become available in the coming months and years. Our team can help you access PrEP options at no cost, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay.
If you are living with HIV or are vulnerable to HIV, we may be able to provide resources to help you get to and from appointments. We also may be able to help you get healthy food and other types of assistance. Our physicians want you to be as healthy as possible, and sometimes that means arranging for other services that the hospital doesn’t provide directly.