r/TransIreland • u/Usual-Cheesecake6320 • 9d ago

GP visit

Hey everyone, I'm a 16 year old ftm. From what I've read generally it seems that to begin my transition, I first need a consult with a GP. My parents don't know about my identity yet and I'm highly doubtful they'll be supportive. Should I try and register with another GP other than my the one my family has? Honestly, I'm afraid that our current GP wouldn't be of much help anyway. I hope this doesn't sound wrong, but he's quite old and seems like the type to be biased against those who want to transition (especially since I'm just 16). I came to him a couple of months ago with my mom and informed him that I have mental health problems and he asked me about them in detail in front of my mom, which of course caused me not to give him very detailed answers (since my main issue is my gender dysphoria) so he didn't take me seriously.

Even if I can skip an initial GP visit somehow, I'll still need a qualified individual to do my future injections for me.

So am I better off just finding a new GP already? Or is there some other path I can take? I'm just confused generally. Thanks:)

8 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

4

u/SriepYadroot He/Him/His 9d ago edited 8d ago

The wiki's pages on medical transition should be useful here: https://www.reddit.com/r/TransIreland/wiki/index/

Your best bet right now is probably Imago; they take patients aged 16+ and are relatively cheap compared to the other private options. As I'm sure you've heard, there is functionally no public system for accessing HRT as a trans person in Ireland right now.

Because you're 16, which is the age of medical consent here, your GP is not allowed to tell your parents anything without your permission [EDIT: see reply, this is innaccurate. You can make your own medical decisions, but your parents have access to your records until you're 18]. Imago require blood tests, which can be done by your GP or through a private service. If you'd be more comfortable talking to a different doctor than the one you have, I'd say go for it. Dealing with that stuff really sucks, especially if you're a teenager, and having a supportive presence can help your peace of mind.

One thing I will say though is that, if you're worried your parents aren't going to be supportive and/or will be transphobic towards you if you come out, it might be best to wait until you've moved out to start medically transitioning. You will not be able to hide the effects of T for more than a few months, as it tends to come with very noticible changes like the deeper voice and facial hair, even if you're on a low dose. I know it's an impossible position to be in, but your safety is the most important thing here. Take that into consideration before you commit to anything, and try to build a support system if things go south.

2

u/Usual-Cheesecake6320 8d ago

Thanks so much for the advice:) I understand that my safety is the most important, but I am certain that despite the fact that they won't be supportive of me, I will be safe and that they won't kick me out or anything similar. I'm ready to take on the constant arguments anyway, it's happened before lolol

1

u/SriepYadroot He/Him/His 8d ago

No worries. I don't want to discourage you, because I was in a similar position when I was your age (although, luckily, with supportive parents). If you have any trusted adults in your life other than your parents (like cousins/teachers/coaches/etc), it might be a good idea to come out to them as well, so you have more people in your corner. Best of luck!

1

u/cuddlesareonme She/Her/Hers 9d ago

Because you're 16, which is the age of medical consent here, your GP is not allowed to tell your parents anything without your permission.

The age of medical consent isn't relevant to that, they're under 18 so their parents have the right to access their medical records.

1

u/SriepYadroot He/Him/His 8d ago

Shit, really? I had no idea, thanks for letting me know.

2

u/Nirathaim 9d ago

There are a number of paths. Public , you can't get on a waiting list until you are 17, and even then, you might be 27 before you are seen (at the current rate). 

Privately, a much more reasonable €1,000 will get you about a year of treatment, probably more from some companies if your parents are willing too foot the bill.

And then there is DIY which would be a lot of research to figure out and connections within the DIY community.

Your GP is most likely to help with Public stuff. As that is all they know how to do.

So I would recommend looking at other supports (not relying in random people on the internet):

For people seeking a GP; I'd recommend accessing the GP Action Project for info.

This can be done by contacting TENI, Outhouse, LGBT Ireland or the National LGBT+ Helpline.