Gender-Affirming Care at PPGOH

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) is committed to helping our transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming patients become their most authentic and complete selves by offering gender-affirming care in a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free environment.  

What is Gender-Affirming Care

Gender-affirming care, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions “designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity” when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth.   

Why Does PPGOH Provide Gender-Affirming Care?

Discrimination and transphobia have long been barriers to receiving high-quality health care for transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people. Dealing with these issues can be traumatic, so when they seek care with us, we want them to feel like they can be their authentic selves and access the care they need with ease. There’s no question that gender-affirming care is lifesaving care.  

One patient shared with us: “Planned Parenthood has literally saved my life. I have nothing but good things to say. As a transgender woman, it is so hard to get adequate care, yet they were so affirming and helpful.” - Kent Health Center Patient 

Providing gender-affirming care is just one of the ways that PPGOH can better serve communities across Ohio. By training our clinicians about the needs of these patients, we can better offer them a full range of reproductive health care. 

What gender-affirming care services does PPGOH offer?

• Gender-affirming hormone therapy 

  • Testosterone hormone therapy (commonly known as “masculinizing” hormone therapy) 
  • Estrogen/antiandrogen hormone therapy (commonly known as “feminizing” hormone therapy) 

• Care coordination 

• Birth control 

• STI testing & treatment 

• HIV prevention, testing & counseling 

• Cancer screenings 

• Primary care 

Where Does PPGOH Offer Gender-Affirming Care? 

We currently offer gender-affirming care at our following locations: 

• Akron Health Center 

• Athens Health Center

• Bedford Heights Health Center

• Canton Health Center

• Cleveland Health Center (starting 12/4/2023)

• Franklinton Health Cener 

• Kent Health Center 

• Lorain Health Center

• Mansfield Health Center

• North Columbus Health Center

• Old Brooklyn Health Center 

• Rocky River Health Center

• Toledo Health Center

• Warren Health Center

• Youngstown Health Center

Do You Offer Gender-Affirming Care Through Telehealth?

PPGOH also offers initial and follow-up gender-affirming hormone therapy visits through telehealth. We know that telehealth is important for equitable access to health care. Offering telehealth appointments gives our patients back more of their time and removes barriers like taking time off work, navigating transportation, and coordinating childcare. We ensure our patients can get their health care their way. 

Who May Receive Gender-Affirming Care?

Our health centers conduct their gender-affirming care through the informed consent model because we trust our patients to know themselves better than anyone. This model makes it possible for our patients to be prescribed hormone treatments without first having a mental health assessment or receiving a referral from a mental health specialist.  

At PPGOH, our patients are in charge of their care. This is why we ensure every patient has the information and resources they need to make informed decisions and give their informed consent. Our use of the informed consent model ensures our patients can access the care they want, when they need it, without stigma. 

Criteria to start hormone therapy includes, but is not limited to:  

• Ability to give informed consent  

• Adults 18+  

What Support Do You Offer to Gender-Affirming Care Patients? 

We are intentional about creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all our patients. This in turn gives our gender-affirming care patients the confidence to return to us for other care such as wellness exams or contraception prescriptions. This holistic approach helps us build healthier communities by ensuring our patients receive the broad spectrum of care they need. 

Approaching gender-affirming care holistically means our services go beyond health care, thanks to our Patient Navigator Program. This program can assist our patients in logistical support such as aiding in their legal name change process. The long-term impact of this type of support can be extensive. For example, early research indicates a legal name change can improve access to care and increase socioeconomic stability. 

What do patients have to say about gender-affirming care at PPGOH health centers?

“PPGOH has always been a leader in queer and trans acceptance, and I will never stop seeking out their services, over others, due to that knowledge."

"The staff was very kind and even made sure to be considerate of my chosen name and pronouns."

To schedule a gender-affirming care visit, make an appointment online or call 800-230-7526.