Fertility Preservation & Family Building for Transgender People

Fertility Preservation and Transitioning

Our fertility specialists know that the transition for transgender people can look different for everyone. Some people choose to undergo certain medications or surgical procedures that are sterilizing. If you’re still interested in having children in the future, fertility preservation—also known as cryopreservation—makes it possible to have a future child who is still biologically related to you.

Cryopreservation involves freezing mature eggs and embryos for use later with assisted reproduction technology, like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Your fertility specialist may recommend cryopreservation if you are transitioning but would like the option to have biological children later in life.

Preservation

Family Building Plans

One of the most important discussions you will have with your fertility specialist is how and when you want to build your family. You and your partner, if you have one, will talk about what fertility options may be available for you and when you want to start growing your family.

This may include deciding to use a sperm or egg donor. All parties involved, including your donor, yourself, and your partner, will undergo testing for cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV can cause health problems and congenital disabilities in a fetus. This means:

• Someone who’s assigned female at birth (AFAB) who HAS been exposed to CMV at any point and tests positive for antibodies can use sperm from a donor who’s tested either positive or negative.
• An AFAB patient who has NOT been exposed to CMV should only use sperm from a donor who tests negative for the virus.

You and your partner will get fertility testing as well, which ensures that your hormone levels are where they should be and that any genetic factors may affect a potential fetus.

Fertility Testing

Paths to Parenthood for Transgender People

When you’re ready to begin growing your family, your fertility specialist can help you review your options, which may include:

• IVF
• Reciprocal IVF
• IUI
• Donor egg
• Donor sperm

Some couples may require additional fertility services or try a mix of treatments to grow their family. Our fertility specialists can advise patients on the available options and reproductive services needed.

We will help you navigate the medical and legal aspects of fertility treatments that may come up. Our fertility specialists can also recommend therapists knowledgeable about the fertility treatment process, so you and your partner have the support you need.

Treatments

Family Building Laws

Louisiana’s LGBTQ+ family-building laws include several restrictions and considerations for same-sex and transgender patients. We will provide a referral to an assisted reproductive technologies attorney who can help families better understand these restrictions.

Whether you are cryopreserving eggs and embryos for later or starting your path to parenthood now, our fertility specialists are here to support transgender patients in achieving their family-growing goals. Every time you visit The Fertility Institute, you’ll be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.

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