Fertility Issues in Transgender Care

Treatment for gender dysphoria and the desire to live in the opposite gender requires hormonal, anatomic, and psychosocial changes. Concurrent with increased acceptance of fertility preservation is an increase in the acceptance and encouragement of transgender individuals. Undergoing gender affirming treatment no longer means the loss of reproductive potential. The medical community has a responsibility to meet the reproductive needs of transgender patients through education, empowerment, and advocacy. Whether transitioning from male to female, female to male, presenting individually or as a couple with a cis- or transgender partner, there are options available. Advancements in technologies including sperm banking, oocyte retrieval, cryopreservation, and in vitro fertilization techniques have expanded the options for transgender individuals. In addition, third-party reproduction allows for family building options and plays a role in the management and counseling of transgender patients. Working closely with a reproductive specialist maximizes fertility preservation and reproductive options.