Pelvic health

You might be at risk for cancer of the cervix, ovaries and uterus, if you still have these organs. This is true whether or not you take testosterone. Testosterone therapy doesn't change your risk of these cancers.

Your pelvic health is important, even if you don't have receptive or penetrative sex. To promote your pelvic health, your doctor might recommend:

• A pelvic exam. This exam checks for problems with the uterus, vagina, ovaries and cervix. During a pelvic exam, your doctor looks at your genitals and feels inside your vagina. A plastic or metal-hinged instrument shaped like a duck's bill (speculum) will be placed in your vagina to help your doctor see your vagina and cervix.
• Pap test. Your doctor will use a small, soft brush to collect cells from your cervix. These cells will be studied under a microscope for signs of cancer.
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests. You can get an STI from oral, anal or vaginal sex. STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and hepatitis. The human papilloma virus (HPV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also can be passed during sex. Your doctor might ask you to have regular screenings for HIV and other STIs. For some screenings, you only need to give a blood or urine sample.

Talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself from an STI, such as by using condoms or other barrier protection and avoiding unprotected sex unless you're sure you and your partner aren't infected. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) also can help prevent HIV infection in people who don't have HIV and are at very high risk of becoming infected. Avoiding use of alcohol or drugs during sex also may help decrease your risk of STIs.

Vaccines can protect you from the liver infections hepatitis A and hepatitis B. HPV, which can cause cancer of the cervix, also can be passed to you during sex. The HPV vaccine is available to children, teens and young adults.