Tucking is the practice of hiding or reducing the appearance of external genitalia (penis and/or testes) to increase comfort with gender expression, decrease feelings of gender dysphoria or incongruence, and increase personal safety in situations where being perceived as trans might be unsafe [1–3]. While commonly associated with trans women, tucking is also practiced by other trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary (TTNB) people. As a gender-affirming practice, tucking contributes to the mental health and quality of life for TTNB people who engage in it.

TTNB clients may not disclose their tucking practice to their primary care providers and may not seek medical advice for concerns. One study of 99 TTNB people who practiced tucking noted that, while almost half of the participants were concerned about the effect of tucking on their health, only 8% had seen a health care provider for a tucking related issue. Half of the participants were “very or somewhat uncomfortable” discussing tucking with a health care provider [3]. 
Holistic, gender-affirming care, includes understanding common tucking practices and using trauma-informed and harm reduction principles when discussing tucking with clients [2,3]. 

For more information about gender-affirming care, see Trans Care BC’s course, Gender-Affirming Relational Practice.

Terminology

Many people who tuck do not use the terms penis and/or testes for their genitals. The terms are used here for clinical clarity, but when discussing tucking with clients, always use their chosen terms.

Ways to tuck 

There are many ways to tuck, all of which involve the penis going between the legs. For tucking the testicles (if present), two common methods include: having the testicles and scrotum go between the legs or having the testicles go inside the body via the inguinal canal. Once the genitals are tucked, different methods are used to secure the tuck.

A detailed guide to these two methods can be found on the Trans Care BC website. 

Common methods of securing a tuck

  • Commercial gaffs: a garment made for tucking that is worn like underwear and made from strong elastic material [1].
  • Tight undergarments: a single pair of tight underwear could be worn, or more than one pair could be layered together [1].
  • Control briefs: often marketed for “tummy control,” control underwear (e.g., Spanx) are made from strong elastic material [1].
  • Waterproof medical grade tapes: Medical or sports tape designed for use on skin is an effective way to secure the penis up the buttocks. Specialty brands, such as TransTape and Unclockable, make waterproof, latex-free medical grade tapes designed for tucking and provide tucking and taping resources on their websites [4,5].
  • Using duct tape to secure a tuck can damage the skin and is not recommended [2,3].

Client resources that illustrate different ways to tuck and secure a tuck are linked at the end of this document.

Clients may be hesitant to discuss their tucking practices when they do not have a trusting relationship with their primary care provider [3]. Clinicians need to make it clear that they are asking about a client’s tucking practices to support safer tucking practices, not out of curiosity or to tell them to stop tucking. Avoid making assumptions about gender or sexuality based on tucking practices. The following questions may help start conversations about tucking.

Introductory questions

  • Do you tuck?
  • Do you position your testicles between your legs, or tuck them in to the inguinal canals?
  • How often and for how long do you tuck?
  • What materials do you use to secure your tuck? 

Social impact of tucking

  • How does tucking contribute to your well-being?
  • How important is it for you to tuck when you are at home? When you are in public?

Presence of side effects

  • Do you experience any irritation, pain or discomfort when you tuck? How long does it last after you release the tuck?
  • Have you noticed any rashes or infections on your skin?
  • Do you ever feel dizzy or nauseated when you tuck?
  • Have you noticed a connection between how long you are tucking and the symptoms you described?

Urinary health

  • Do you ever delay urinating because you are tucking?
  • Are you able to undo your tuck and urinate throughout the day?
  • Have you noticed any burning, pain, discomfort or blood in the urine when urinating after tucking?
  • Do you find that you do not notice the urge to urinate until your bladder is very full?
  • Do you notice any changes in urination, such as having to urinate more frequently, difficulty starting to urinate, changes in flow, or feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder?

Harm reduction

  • Sometimes symptoms can be resolved by making some changes to how you tuck – is this something you would like to hear more about?
  • Do you have any concerns or questions about tucking?

Up to 50% of people who tuck experience physical side effects or have health concerns related to tucking [2,3,6]. Three different studies that looked at tucking practices found that the most commonly reported health concerns included pain in testicles and penis, itch, and rash [2,3,6]. While percentages varied, less frequent concerns included urinary tract infections, problems ejaculating, and skin infections [2,3,6]. 

Given the benefits of tucking, avoid telling clients to stop tucking, even if they are experiencing physical side effects [2]. Provide counseling on safer tucking practices, routinely initiate conversations with clients about tucking and assess for common side effects [2]. 

The following recommendations come from community knowledge and handouts created by and for TTNB people who tuck. Research on tucking experiences is limited to self-reported outcomes that are unable to draw associations between tucking methods and adverse events [2,3,6].

General recommendations 

  • When new to tucking, clients should tuck for shorter periods of time, going slow and listening to their body [7].
  • Clients can try switching between different ways of tucking and take breaks, particularly if they experience nausea, pain, or feel faint [7].
  • Encourage clients to avoid tucking for more than eight hours a day, particularly if they are using tape or have difficulty voiding while tucking [1].
  • After untucking, clients should check for irritated skin, sores or rashes. If skin breakdown is present, skin should be allowed to heal before using products on it again [7].
  • Clients can use body powder in warm creases (thighs, buttocks, genital skin, etc.) to prevent skin chaffing and infection [7].
  • Cotton breathes better than spandex and may be more comfortable if layering multiple pairs of underwear [1].
  • No matter what type of tucking method is used, it is important to wrap the penis in tissue or a piece of soft, thin cotton [7].
  • Some clients may find it helpful to hear that estrogen-based hormone therapy can reduce the size of the genitals over time (penile and testicular atrophy), which can make tucking easier.
     

Tucking using the inguinal canal 
 

  • It is important to take a break between tucking attempts and try a different tucking method if feeling faint, nauseated, or having significant pain [7]. 
     

Tucking using tape
 

  • Encourage clients to use a hypoallergenic medical tape or sports tape designed specifically for use on skin [7].
  • Duct tape should not be used for tucking because it can rip out hair, tear skin, and cause rashes or irritation [1]. Despite this, recent studies showed that approximately 10% of participants used duct tape to tuck [2,3]. While these studies did not explore the reasons for using duct tape, it may be the only material that clients can access or afford. Work with clients to explore why they are choosing to use duct tape and suggest alternative options for securing a tuck.
  • Clients with skin sensitivities or latex allergies should check what the tape is made from before using. A skin test should be performed by following the manufacturer’s directions before wearing tape for tucking. Even specialty tape can result in sore patches, skin damage, blistering, and can pull body hair out [4].
  • Before using tape for tucking, clients should test the tape on a small patch of skin [5].
  • Before applying tape, clients should remove or trim body hair to make tape removal easier [7]. Skin should be freshly cleaned, dry, and free of sweat, oils, creams, or lotions [5].
  • A protective barrier wipe can be used on the skin before applying tape [7].
  • When removing tape, use a skin-safe adhesive-remover or soak the tape in warm water. Tape should be removed slowly and gently [7]  
     

When to seek medical care

By practicing gender-affirming relational practice, clinicians can build trust with clients, and, over time, this trust may make it easier for clients to discuss health concerns related to tucking. 

Encourage clients to follow up if they experience:

  • Aching, tingling or numbness that continues even after they have stopped tucking
  • Blood in urine or orgasmic fluid (ejaculate)
  • A feeling of inflammation or infection inside the genitals
  • Signs of a urinary tract infection, including pain with urination, new frequency or urgency, hematuria, suprapubic pain, and/or flank pain
  • Rashes and sores on the skin that do not improve, or worsen, even with breaks from tucking

Tucking and urination

Tucking with tape makes it difficult to urinate, as the tape must be taken off and reapplied each time. This reality may cause clients to decrease their fluid intake and/or attempt to hold their urine until they are at home or finished tucking. This can lead to dehydration and urinary complications, such as urinary tract infections and, in extreme cases, damage to the urinary tract [8–10]. Factors other than tucking may contribute to dehydration and holding urine: if gender-inclusive bathrooms are not available, using a bathroom may be or feel unsafe.

While there are steps listed below that decrease the risk of urinary complications, they may still occur. Ensure clients are aware of symptoms of concern (see above section) and discuss harm-reduction practices with them without recommending they stop tucking.

To decrease dehydration and urinary complications, encourage clients to:

  • Clients should use the bathroom right before and immediately after tucking [1,8].
  • Staying hydrated is important where possible [7]. Small sips throughout the day may be more tolerable than large amounts of fluid. In some cases, personal safety concerns may be prioritized over maintaining hydration.
  • Work with clients to develop a plan for maximizing their personal safety when bathroom access is a concern, such as identifying safe bathrooms or planning to be out for shorter periods of time.
  • Warm weather or exercise may worsen symptoms of dehydration. Clients can limit time tucking, take more frequent breaks, or consider using a tucking method that does not involve tape.
  • Discuss tucking methods that do not involve tape if clients tuck for extended periods of time [8]. 

Tucking and length of time 

Many people who tuck do so for extended periods of time. Malik et al. [2] found that 67% of participants in the study tucked for at least seven years, almost 80% tucked for 8 hours or more a day, and over 80% tucked every day of the week. In contrast, Subedi et al. [3] found a wide range of tucking frequency, with an average length of tucking of 7 hours a day, ranging from less than once a week to every day of the week. 

Pelvic Floor

Tucking may affect the function of the pelvic floor muscles by putting additional stress on the pelvic floor and cause pelvic floor weakness [11]. It can be helpful for clients to practice diaphragmatic breathing and stretches before, during and after tucking [12]. 

Gonadectomy and genital surgery

Some clients who tuck desire gender-affirming surgery, while others do not [3]. Conversations should include discussion of broader gender goals, including interest in and barriers to affirming surgery [2]. 

Costs 

Different methods of tucking range in costs. Generally, gaffs cost between $20 and $40 [13]. Medical tape and tucking-specific tapes can be affordable options but need to be repurchased on a regular basis. Not having access to safe tucking materials may result in individuals using duct tape, which can cause increased skin irritation and tearing of hair and skin [1]. 

Become familiar with free and low-cost options for accessing safe and affordable tucking supplies (see Resource section, below) [2]. For some Indigenous people, the cost of gaffs will be covered by the First Nations Health Authority. Clinicians can advocate for insurance companies to provide coverage for tucking supplies.

Fertility 

While research is limited on this topic, there is a growing body of evidence that shows that tucking impacts fertility, regardless of whether a client is taking gender-affirming hormones. Two systematic reviews found that tucking likely decreases fertility, with frequency, duration, and tucking methods all influencing the overall impact [14,15]. Clients who are interested in having genetically related children should consider pausing or decreasing tucking for three months prior to preserving their fertility or trying to achieve a pregnancy [16].

Tucking resources for clients

Available funding for gender-affirming care and garments 

Free or reduced cost gaffs

  • Gender Supportive Wear Program from Qmunity: Provides free new and used gender-affirming wear for TTNB youth ages 14-25 who reside in BC, Canada and are unable to attain these garments otherwise. They also provide discount codes for some retailers.
  • Point of Pride: Gaffs and shapewear for TTNB people cannot afford to purchase or safely obtain gaffs without support. Based in the United States, ships internationally.
  1. Callen-Lorde. Safer tucking. Available: https://callen-lorde.org/graphics/2018/09/HOTT-Safer-Tucking_Final.pdf
  2. Malik M, Cooney EE, Brevelle J-M, Poteat T. Tucking practices and attributed health effects in transfeminine individuals. Transgender Health. 2024; trgh.2022.0064. doi:10.1089/trgh.2022.0064
  3. Subedi S, Kant J, Miranda N, Anacheka-Nasemann R, Martinez J, Ganor O. “I was largely unguided trying to figure it out on my own”: experiences of genital tucking among transfeminine and gender diverse individuals. International Journal of Transgender Health. 2024; 1–12. doi:10.1080/26895269.2024.2333533
  4. TransTape. Tucking. In: Transtape [Internet]. Available: https://transtape.life/pages/tucking
  5. Unclockable. How to tuck guide. In: Unclockable [Internet]. Available: https://unclockable.ca/pages/how-to-tuck-guide-for-trans-women
  6. Poteat T, Malik M, Cooney E. 2148 Understanding the health effects of binding and tucking for gender affirmation. J Clin Trans Sci. 2018;2: 76–76. doi:10.1017/cts.2018.268
  7. Trans Care BC. Things to know about tucking. [cited 30 May 2025]. Available: https://www.transcarebc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-03/Tucking-Handout.pdf
  8. Moffa J. Genital Tucking for Trans-Feminine Patients. In: Pride in Practice [Internet]. 15 Jul 2019. Available: https://www.prideinpractice.org/articles/transgender-genital-tucking-guide/
  9. Talusan M. All the questions you had about tucking, but were afraid to ask. In: Buzzfeed [Internet]. 2 Apr 2016. Available: https://www.buzzfeed.com/meredithtalusan/all-the-questions-you-had-about-tucking-but-were-afraid-to-a
  10. Tourjée, D. The girl’s guide to tucking your dick. In: Identity [Internet]. 27 Aug 2015. Available: https://www.vice.com/en/article/d3ggjj/how-to-tuck
  11. Özer M. Sexual wellbeing and sexual health following vaginoplasty. In: Selvaggi G, Djordjevic ML, editors. Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty. Elsevier; 2025. doi:10.1016/C2023-0-00038-3
  12. Trans Care BC. Understanding the pelvic floor. In: Understanding the pelvic floor [Internet]. 2025 [cited 16 Jun 2025]. Available: https://www.transcarebc.ca/health-wellbeing/pelvic-floor
  13. Gaffs. In: GenderGear [Internet]. Available: https://www.gendergear.ca/collections/gaffs-tucking
  14. Manafi E, Belarmino AR, Mills JN, Eleswarapu SV, Ng GY. The impact of tucking on fertility among transgender women: A systematic review. International Journal of Transgender Health. 2024; 1–10. doi:10.1080/26895269.2024.2387643
  15. Stolk THR, Asseler JD, Huirne JAF, van den Boogaard E, van Mello NM. Desire for children and fertility preservation in transgender and gender-diverse people: A systematic review. Best practice & research Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology. 2023;87: 102312. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102312
  16. Stolk THR, Van Den Boogaard E, Huirne JAF, Van Mello NM. Fertility counseling guide for transgender and gender diverse people. International Journal of Transgender Health. 2023; 1–7. doi:10.1080/26895269.2023.2262460
Current versionJuly 14, 2025
AuthorsC Brown 
Caitlin Botkin Nurse Educator, Trans Care BC; Registered Midwife (non-practicing) 
Lauren GoldmanNurse Educator, Trans Care BC; RN(C)

Given the rise of hate and violence against trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people and gender-affirming care providers, some authors may have chosen to withhold their names to ensure personal and professional safety.