After a long journey of over a decade using testosterone, I successfully gave birth to a child. Despite this, I often encounter medical professionals who assert that testosterone leads to sterility. I want to emphasize that I am not an anomaly—countless transgender men globally have either given birth or contributed their eggs to a pregnancy. Fortunately, we now have solid scientific backing to support this, thanks to a recent study conducted by Boston IVF on transgender fertility.
The Boston IVF research examined the medical records of 26 transgender men who underwent at least one egg retrieval cycle at their clinic. This egg retrieval process involves a hormone regimen based on estrogen, designed to stimulate the maturation of eggs, followed by the collection of those mature eggs. This procedure is essential for individuals looking to preserve their eggs as they age, plan to transition, or aim to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) to carry an embryo themselves or have a partner do so in the future.
The researchers compared the data from the transgender group with cisgender women who had undergone similar egg retrieval procedures, pairing participants with similar demographics, such as age and weight. The results? Almost no difference. Both groups produced a similar number of mature eggs, which was the primary focus of the study.
To grasp the significance of this study, we need to discuss how testosterone influences our reproductive systems and what the findings reveal.
Testosterone and Ovulation
A specialist in transgender health might describe testosterone as a “dose-dependent ovulation suppressant.” This means that, when taken correctly, testosterone can halt ovulation. However, it’s crucial to note the “when taken correctly” caveat. Many transgender individuals miss their hormone injections due to various reasons—busy schedules, fear of needles, pharmacy issues, or changes in insurance coverage. Missing or delaying a dose can lead to ovulation and potential fertility.
In the Boston IVF study, some participants opted to wait for their menstrual cycles to resume, which took an average of four months. Others, however, had their hormone levels monitored to determine the best timing for egg retrieval, without waiting for their cycles to return.
Testosterone and Egg Health
To understand the biological aspect, it’s important to recognize that individuals with ovaries are born with a finite number of eggs. Once born, the body begins to lose these eggs, a process that accelerates around puberty. By the age of 36, the egg reserve significantly declines, making conception and egg retrieval more challenging.
While on testosterone, the body continues to shed immature eggs. However, as long as ovulation is suppressed, the egg reserve remains intact, waiting for the opportunity to be used or depleted through menopause. Essentially, the egg maturation process is temporarily paused while on testosterone. If the hormone therapy is discontinued, the egg maturation process usually resumes within six months.
Interestingly, the Boston IVF study found that the quality and quantity of eggs harvested from transgender men were comparable to those from cisgender women.
Testosterone and Pregnancy
In this study, some transgender men opted for IVF, where their eggs were fertilized in a lab and then implanted back into their bodies. The pregnancy experiences and outcomes for these men were similar to those of the cisgender women in the study. Other research supports these findings, showing that trans pregnancies yield similar results to those of cisgender women, barring societal factors related to gender identity during pregnancy.
It’s crucial to note that if a person becomes pregnant while on testosterone and intends to carry the pregnancy to term, they must cease hormone therapy throughout the pregnancy, as testosterone may pose risks to the developing fetus.
Hopefully, this information sheds light on the recent findings regarding testosterone and egg health. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, consider Make A Mom—the only service offering a reusable option for at-home insemination. You might also find our guide on how at-home insemination works helpful. For those in Las Vegas, Vegas Pregnancy provides a free sperm donor matching service. Additionally, for more insights into fertility, check out our post on fractures related to reproductive health. Finally, for authoritative information on sexually transmitted infections, visit Modern Family Blog. For further details on pregnancy and home insemination, Medline Plus is an excellent resource.
In summary, testosterone does not inherently harm egg health or fertility in transgender men. The recent Boston IVF study confirms that transgender men can successfully produce mature eggs comparable to cisgender women, allowing for various family-building options.
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