Transgender pregnancy is the gestation of one or more embryos or fetuses by transgender people. As of 2023, the possibility is restriced to those born with female reproductive systems. However, transition-related treatments may impact fertility. Transgender men and nonbinary people who are or wish to become pregnant face social, medical, legal, and psychological concerns.
For transgender women who have not undergone any gender-affirming medical interventions, it is possible to become pregnant naturally. However, some transition-related treatments, such as hormone therapy, can impact fertility. For example, testosterone therapy can cause the ovaries to shrink and stop producing eggs.
If a transgender woman wishes to become pregnant, she may need to stop taking testosterone therapy. She may also need to take medications to help her ovaries produce eggs. Once she has become pregnant, she will need to continue taking prenatal vitamins and see a doctor regularly for prenatal care.
The risks of pregnancy for transgender women are similar to those for cisgender women. However, transgender women may face additional challenges, such as social stigma and discrimination. They may also have difficulty finding a doctor who is familiar with transgender pregnancy.
If you are a transgender woman who is considering pregnancy, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. You should also make sure to find a doctor who is supportive of transgender people.
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
⦁ The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
⦁ Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/
⦁ GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/
⦁ Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/
Trans women, who were assigned male at birth but identify and live as women, typically do not have the biological capacity for pregnancy. However, with advancements in medical technology, there are options available for some trans women to have a pregnancy experience.
Here are a few possibilities:
⦁ Sperm Banking: Prior to starting hormone therapy or undergoing gender-affirming surgeries, trans women may choose to preserve their sperm through sperm banking. This allows them to have biological children in the future through assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
⦁ Gestational Surrogacy: Trans women who have undergone gender-affirming surgeries and do not have a functioning uterus can still have a genetic connection to their child through gestational surrogacy. In this process, an individual or a couple (including a trans woman) can work with a gestational carrier who will carry the pregnancy on their behalf.
It’s important to note that the availability and legality of these options may vary depending on the country or region where you reside. Additionally, these options often involve significant emotional, legal, and financial considerations. It is recommended to consult with fertility specialists and reproductive healthcare providers who specialize in working with transgender individuals to explore the available options and determine the best path forward based on your individual circumstances and goals.