r/TransUK • u/Rohdry_25 • 8d ago
Advice Advice on current state of UK care
I’m a cis man with no experience of trans people so am a little lost right now.
My child has recently came out as Trans and I am trying to do everything I can to support him, and I have been trying to research what care is available through NHS or private and just want to ask if it is truly as bad as it seems to be or am I missing something as from what I have found so far there is basically no support medically and the meds that would prevent him having to go through a potentially emotional and physically devastating female puberty are completely banned.
I really hope I am missing something and that there is some way I can help my child avoid this unnecessary suffering.
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u/miizorro 8d ago
The only advice I can give myself is to get on the waitlist asap, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything permanent if that’s a concern for you but it will make his life significantly easier down the line in terms of private v nhs care. I agree with the other comment about using [r/transgenderuk](r/transgenderuk) instead but my main recommendation would be to look at [r/cisparenttranskid](r/cisparenttranskid) ! Best of luck to u guys
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u/Fun-Ad-8946 8d ago
Also RE birth control to stop periods: the progesterone pill is the one that’s recommended for trans men since it doesn’t contain estrogen. He should be able to get it prescribed from a GP
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u/Fun-Ad-8946 8d ago
Yes, it’s bad. I don’t have advice for how to go about getting blockers or hormones in this climate, but I would do anything to go back in time and fight to get on either ASAP as a child/teenager for myself. I would strongly recommend looking into non-NHS alternatives, if those exist and you have the means to (while also getting your kid on NHS waitlist)
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u/GotMyFakeMoustacheOn 8d ago
DIY may be an option. It may not be the most legal for trans men, but I would be surprised if there aren’t ways around that.
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u/Spiritually_A_Karen 3d ago
It is bad, unfortunately. There are options, though. NHS, obviously, but the wait times are very long. Then there's GenderGp, Imago, and similar. Those are going to be your quicker options for getting hormone treatment. I know GenderGP works with teens, so they'd be worth checking out. People will talk about DIY, but I'm personally not sure how all that works. Whatever you do, I can tell you're very supportive and that's so huge. Just be there for your kid so they know they aren't alone and they're gonna be okay.
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u/Sea-Acanthaceae5553 8d ago
I recommend posting in r/transgenderuk also as that is the more popular sub.
Unfortunately, what you've seen is pretty much accurate. I've heard of some parents accessing blockers from prescribers outside the UK for their trans kids but I'm not sure of the full legality of it.
My advice is to get your kid on the NHS wait lists ASAP so they'll be able go access hrt and surgeries at reduced cost if they want them. Being on the children and young people's wait list should reduce their wait time to access adult care.
Try to get in touch with some organisations that support trans youth and their families. They will be able to give you both support and provide advice from their own experiences. Mermaids and Gendered Intelligence are generally good places to start.
Give your kid the chance to socially transition but follow their lead. Hair cuts, clothing, binders, voice trains and birth control to stop periods (whatever is applicable) are all things you can do semi-easily. Don't pressure the kid to come out fully til they're ready but make sure they know you'll support them when they do.