Introduction
AFAB (assigned female at birth)/ AMAB (assigned male at birth) is the gender assigned to the newborn child based on the anatomical and biological character. These terms refer to the child in a way that society wants to perceive them. Usually, the baby born with a penis is referred to as AMAB, and children with a vagina are referred to as AFAB.
These terms do not hold the same as the child grows up as they tend to figure out their gender. The people identify terms such as transgender, genderqueer, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming to convey that their gender identity does not match the sex the person was assigned at birth.
What Is Meant by AFAB?
This term stands for Assigned Feminine At Birth, which refers to a person who is born as female. AFAB is a term used to address someone to convey information about the person. This can be used as a neutral option instead of some offensive terms like ‘born female’, which might hurt the person. This term does not specify sexuality, orientation, or gender.
What Is Meant by AMAB?
AMAB is the term used as Assigned Male At Birth. This usually refers to a person who was born as a male. This is not used to address any transgender person. People face a lot of struggles as they do not want to fit into any social framework, and they do not like to be classified as male or female. They struggle internally with the assigned sex at the time of birth and their original sex identity.
What Are the Importance of AFAB and AMAB in Healthcare?
Words can be frustrating and triggering when the words used to describe a person do not match who they are. For example, when a trans woman needs to do a prostate examination, which is generally referred to as men’s health, the person can get upset by the term men’s health. A nonbinary person who has a uterus might get irritated by certain phrases like ‘mother-to-be’ or ‘the female reproductive system.’
Why Are the Terms AFAB and AMAB Important?
If the anatomy of someone needs to be discussed, then AFAB and AMAB are more gender-affirming than other words, such as born female or biological male. Language is continuously changing, and this is mostly understood in healthcare. Some medical terms that are very appropriate and medically correct are now seen to be hurtful and offensive.
How Does the Sex That Is Assigned at the Time of Birth Affect the Person’s Health?
The sex that is assigned at the time of birth plays a role in the overall health, and it is much specified to the sex organs. To some extent, it is considered true. Even if the person is not a woman but is assigned as female at the time of birth, it can enhance the risk of certain health conditions, such as
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Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation of the joints, resulting in stiffness and worsening with age.
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Heart diseases.
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Breast cancers, even if the person has undergone any surgery.
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Multiple sclerosis is a condition where the immune system damages the outermost covering of the nerves.
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Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak bone density and reduced bone mass or when the quality of the bone alters.
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UTI (urinary tract infection).
Some of the conditions related to the reproductive system are:
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Cervical issues like cancers, polyps, cervicitis, or dysplasia.
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Ovarian problems like cancer or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
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Uterine issues like polyps, cancer, endometriosis, or fibroid.
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Vaginal issues like prolapse, cancer, or vaginosis.
If the person becomes pregnant, then there is a risk of pregnancy-related issues along with pre and post-health conditions, including postpartum depression.
Some of the health conditions that can occur if the person is AMAB are:
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ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a nervous condition that weakens the muscles and can impact physical functioning.
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Kidney stones.
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Pancreatitis.
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Parkinson’s disease is a condition of the central nervous system which affects movement and causes tremors.
What Are the Health Recommendations for People Assigned to AFAB?
If the person is assigned as female at birth, consult a doctor to know about what tests, screenings, and examinations need to be done and when. These tests and examinations will include the recommendation of an annual mammogram for those starting at the age of 45 years, which is a breast cancer screening test. It is recommended to have regular gynecological exams to rule out any STIs (sexually transmitted infections), cancer, or other health concerns. If the person is not comfortable with pelvic examination, then they can suggest the removal of the ovaries, uterus, and cervix.
What Are the Healthcare Recommendations for People Assigned to AMAB?
The doctor will suggest what tests and screenings need to be done along with a prostate examination. The prostate remains even if the person has undergone genital surgery. Anyone with a prostate can develop some conditions related to the prostate, such as
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Prostate cancer.
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Inflammation of the prostate is called prostatitis.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The risk of prostatic cancer increases as the person grows older, so it is important to start the examination by the age of 55 years.
What Are the Risks Faced by Intersex?
People who are intersex will have genitals, chromosomes, and reproductive organs that do not fit into the male and female sex binary. People being intersex can enhance the risk of
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Bone weakness like osteoporosis.
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A group of disorders that affects the adrenal gland is known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
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Issues with the urethral opening are called hypospadias.
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People can be born with an extra X chromosome, as seen in Klinefelter syndrome.
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The sex glands may not develop as expected, such as Swyer syndrome.
Conclusion
AFAB and AMAB are the terms society uses to perceive a person as male or female. But these terms do not hold up as the person grows and figures out their gender identity. However, AFAB and AMAB can increase the risk of many health conditions wherein the person needs to do regular testing and screening recommended by the doctors.
