At TFP, we’re dedicated to supporting trans men and non-binary individuals on their journey to parenthood. Each family’s story is unique, and we’re here to help you navigate your fertility journey in the way that feels right for you. Explore various fertility options, including preserving your fertility, natural conception, IVF, finding a donor for eggs or sperm, surrogacy, and additional support resources.
Understanding Your Fertility Options
Trans men and non-binary individuals, as well as co-parents and poly families, have numerous pathways to start a family or safeguard their fertility for future use. Your options often depend on whether you’ve undergone gender-affirming treatments and your age. Before beginning any treatment, a fertility assessment can help determine which options are the most suitable for you.
Fertility Preservation
If you’re considering or already undergoing gender-affirming treatment, you should think about your future fertility. Fertility preservation involves freezing your gametes or reproductive tissues. For trans men or non-binary people with eggs, this typically requires a partial IVF cycle to collect eggs for freezing. At TFP clinics, we utilize advanced freezing technology called vitrification, allowing us to store your samples for up to 55 years, ensuring you can use them down the line if you decide to have children. It’s advisable to freeze your gametes sooner rather than later, especially since fertility tends to decline after age 35. A fertility assessment can help determine if your gametes are viable for preservation.
Fertility Treatments
Not every trans man or non-binary person will need fertility assistance to conceive. Depending on your fertility status, whether you have had any surgical procedures, and your prior gamete preservation, different treatments may be applicable. Factors such as hormone therapy and age may affect fertility, making IVF a potential option to enhance your chances of success.
Natural Pregnancy
If you retain your womb and ovaries and wish to experience pregnancy, you may be able to conceive naturally or through intrauterine insemination (IUI). If you are on hormone therapy, it’s important to consult with your gender clinic or a fertility specialist about how it may affect your chances. A fertility assessment will measure your ovarian reserve and gamete quality, giving insight into your ability to conceive without assistance.
IUI as an Alternative
If traditional intercourse isn’t an option, IUI involves directly injecting sperm into the womb. This method is beneficial when using a sperm donor, trying to conceive with a partner with low sperm quality, or when penetrative sex isn’t feasible. Understanding the distinctions between IUI performed at a licensed clinic and home insemination, including medical and legal aspects, is crucial. You can find more information about home insemination in our related blog post here.
IVF and ICSI
IVF is another avenue for conception, utilizing either fresh or frozen gametes or an egg donor. During IVF, fertility medications stimulate gamete production, and the gametes are combined with sperm in a lab to create an embryo for implantation. ICSI is a specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected into an egg, ideal for situations involving low sperm quality. For those who have had their ovaries removed or opted against freezing gametes, surrogacy may be an option worth exploring.
Using Donors
Many may consider using a gamete donor for various reasons, such as wishing to continue hormone therapy or facing fertility issues. We’re here to assist you in finding the right donor, whether it’s through our sperm bank or a known donor. Ensure that all potential donors undergo necessary screenings to ensure safety and health.
Support Resources
Exploring fertility treatment as an LGBTQ+ individual can be overwhelming, but we’re here to provide guidance every step of the way. From counseling to navigating the emotional and practical aspects of fertility treatment, we have various resources available. For more information on legal concerns and funding options, refer to our FAQs. If you’re considering home insemination, check out this kit for assistance. You can also find great insights about the IVF process here.
In summary, TFP Fertility is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care for trans men and non-binary individuals seeking to expand their families. If you have any questions or want to discuss your fertility options, feel free to reach out to us.