SEX AND GENDER

HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

of the American Medical Women’s Association

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Health is Affected by Both Sex and Gender

Sex and Gender-Based Medicine: The practice of medicine based on the understanding that biology (dictated by factors such as sex chromosomes) and gender (formed through social roles and norms, power relations, behaviors, expressions, and self-identity) are important in and have implications for prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and in the design and implementation of health research, policy, programs, and services in men, women, and gender diverse people.
Sex: Describes physical and biological characteristics such as genetic, chromosomal, hormonal, cellular, anatomical, reproductive, and basic biological phenomena that have historically been classified as male, female, or intersex, but that exist with variations that defy such categorization.
- Female refers to those who have a genital tract composed of a vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and/or were assigned female at birth.
- Male refers to those who have a genital tract composed of a penis, scrotum, and testicles, and/or were assigned male at birth.
Gender: Describes identity-related, psychological, behavioral, and cultural characteristics that have historically been associated with girl/woman and boy/man identities, expressions, and roles, but that exist with variations that defy such categorization.
- “Man” and/or “woman” are used when the references specifically report data on gender identity.
Much of the current medical literature and health guidelines are written assuming alignment between sex assigned at birth and gender identity.

Integrating SEX and GENDER differences into medical education is KEY to creating evidence-based personalized medicine for men and women.

Did You Know This?

Melanoma is more common on the legs in women, and on the head and neck in men

Men are more likely than women to die within 6 months of an osteoporotic hip fracture

Men and women absorb and metabolize painkillers and anesthetics differently

Zolpidem is the only FDA-approved medication with different dosages recommended by sex thus far

In acute stroke, tPA (the clot-dissolving medication) is twice as likely to be given to men

Aspirin therapy decreases risk of MI in men (but not stroke), while reducing stroke (but not MI) in women

The Sex and Gender Health Collaborative (SGHC) was established to bring a sex and gender perspective into medical and health professionals’ education and into clinical practice to ensure an accurate and comprehensive understanding and sensitivity that will improve medical care for all.

Our health is influenced by both sex factors (sex chromosomes, gonadal hormones, etc.) and gender expression (including sociocultural roles and expectations). To fully meet an individual’s healthcare needs, we need to ensure that sex and gender are integrated into research, health professions education, and clinical practice. Women’s Health can be considered a subset of Sex and Gender-Based Medicine, which focuses on concerns specific to women and their experiences. Sex and Gender Based Medicine also includes Men’s Health and extends to the broad idea that, regardless of patient identity, clinicians need to consider both sex factors and gender expression, as well as the interaction between the two.

To integrate sex and gender knowledge into medical and other health professions education and practice to improve healthcare for all.

The SGHC will fulfill our vision by:

Providing a digital clearinghouse of evidence-based sex and gender educational resources.
Increasing awareness that sex and gender matters for individuals, clinical outcomes, and in health systems.
Promoting sex and gender related collaborations among diverse groups and individuals.