However, fertility for transgender individuals can be a complex issue due to the way gender-affirming treatments changes and reduces fertility. If you are considering these treatments, you may want to think about whether you want children in the future that are biological linked to you. If you do, there are lots of ways you can preserve your fertility.
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Medical or surgical interventions such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or genital reconstructive surgery alter the reproductive system in lots of ways. HRT changes and suppresses the hormonal make-up of your fertility function. While this is somewhat reversible, it would mean you would need to stop taking HRT, which can be distressing after transitioning, and there is no way to guarantee your fertility would come back. Surgery is permanent and cannot be reversed.
How can I preserve my fertility?
It is best to think about fertility preservation prior to gender reassignment. If you are a transgender woman, you can preserve your fertility by freezing sperm. This procedure is called cryopreservation. Some women find the process of producing a sperm sample uncomfortable, foreign or sometimes impossible. In these cases, semen can be extracted from the body using a simple surgical semen retrieval (SSR) procedure. By freezing these genetic materials, you have the option of undergoing fertility treatments, such as IVF, with a partner or surrogate if you decide this is something you want to do later in life.
If you have already began gender-affirming treatment, it might still be possible to preserve your fertility. Your consultant can talk through your options depending on your situation.
Free male-to-female fertility preservation with IVI
We can offer free sperm freezing and storage for up to 10 years for women who are transgender. Before you do this, you will first need to speak with a fertility specialist. They will guide you through the process and also make sure you legally consent to having your genetic material frozen. We will also need to undergo some tests to make sure you are fertile and the treatment can be performed. Visit your gender dysphoria clinic for a referral or contact us for more details.
