This resource is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare provider about your individual needs.
People assigned female at birth have unique sexual health needs compared to people assigned male at birth. Both HIV/STI protection and pregnancy prevention are important.
HIV/STI protection
Unprotected vaginal/front-hole sex has a high risk of STI and HIV transmission for both partners. The risk is greater for the person being penetrated. Condoms, PrEP, and maintaining an undetectable viral load (for people who are HIV+) are extremely effective forms of protection against HIV transmission. PEP is an effective means of protection against HIV after possible exposure. Condoms are the only method that can prevent both pregnancy and STIs/HIV when used alone.
Withdrawal before ejaculation seems to be more effective in reducing HIV transmission during vaginal/front-hole sex than during anal sex, but condoms and PrEP are still the most effective. Along with recommended frequent HIV and STI testing, trans men should get screened for HPV-related cervical cancer as recommended by their provider during their regular gynecological health check-up. Both trans and cis men can be vaccinated for HPV.
For more tips on practicing safer sex, check out Safer Sex for Trans Bodies.
What pregnancy prevention options work for trans people?
Pregnancy can be prevented in many different ways including using condoms, taking daily contraceptive pills, and other long-acting prevention methods. For some trans people, thinking about pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to be aware of the options if there’s a possibility that you could become pregnant.
Selecting a highly effective form of contraception is the best option for pregnancy prevention. If hormonal options are undesirable, or cannot be used because they will interfere with or be less effective due to hormone replacement therapy, the copper IUD can be employed. It is almost 100% effective at pregnancy prevention and does not have feminizing impacts (e.g., swelling of the breasts). Some trans men prefer to use withdrawal as their method of pregnancy prevention. While the risk of getting pregnant from pre-cum is low, it can happen and this method is not considered highly effective. When in doubt, talk to a health care provider who can help guide you to the option that works best for you.
Do HIV medications or PrEP conflict with hormone therapy for trans people?
Not all trans people take hormones as part of gender identity-related health care but many do. There are no known interactions between any forms of hormone replacement therapy and PrEP.
Check out this one minute video from Greater Than AIDS for more.
Disclaimer
This content is provided by Grindr for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be understood as, medical, legal, or professional advice. Grindr is not a healthcare provider and does not provide medical recommendations. Treatment and healthcare decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers based on individual circumstances. Medical guidelines and research findings referenced in this content are subject to change as new evidence emerges. For support services and resources, explore the Looking for LGBTQ+ Community Assistance? page. For information about HIV testing sites in your region or country, visit the HIV Testing Services page. Last updated: 2026.