Fertility Preservation Options for the LGBTQ+ Community

For the LGBTQ+ community, building a family may come with unique challenges and considerations. Fertility preservation options provide paths for individuals to have biological children, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. At TRIO Fertility Mississauga, we offer support and guidance to those in the LGBTQ+ community exploring their options.

Understanding fertility preservation is an important step for anyone thinking about their future family-building goals, especially for transgender and non-binary individuals as they navigate transition-related healthcare. Here’s a look at the various fertility preservation options available, tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Fertility Preservation for Transgender Men

Transgender men (female-to-male) may seek fertility preservation before starting hormone therapy or undergoing surgeries that could impact their fertility.

  • Egg Freezing: Transgender men can freeze their unfertilized eggs before starting testosterone or undergoing surgery. This option allows for the possibility of using those eggs later for in vitro fertilization (IVF), either with a partner or a gestational carrier.
  • Embryo Creation: Transgender men may choose to create embryos using donated sperm. These embryos can be stored for later use, and a cisgender female partner or gestational carrier may carry the pregnancy.
  • Pregnancy: If a transgender man retains his uterus and ovaries, it may be possible to carry a pregnancy. This option allows individuals who want to experience pregnancy themselves to do so, though it may require pausing testosterone therapy.
Fertility Preservation for Transgender Women

Transgender women (male-to-female) who wish to have biological children can consider freezing sperm prior to starting hormone therapy or undergoing gender-affirming surgeries.

  • Sperm Freezing: Before beginning estrogen or undergoing surgery, transgender women can freeze their sperm for future use. The stored sperm can later be used for IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI) with a partner or surrogate.
  • Embryo Creation: In some cases, transgender women may choose to create embryos using their sperm and a partner’s eggs (or donated eggs). The embryos can be stored and used later for pregnancy through a gestational carrier.
Fertility Options for LGBTQ+ Couples

Same-sex couples can also benefit from fertility preservation, whether they’re interested in egg freezing, sperm freezing, or embryo creation. It’s important for each individual to consult with a fertility specialist to understand the options that best align with their personal and family goals.

  • Lesbian Couples: One partner may undergo egg retrieval, and the eggs can be fertilized with donor sperm. The embryos can then be transferred to the other partner or a gestational carrier, depending on the couple’s preference.
  • Gay Couples: Gay male couples can use a gestational carrier to carry their child. One partner’s sperm can be used to fertilize a donated egg, and the resulting embryo is then transferred to the surrogate.
Additional Resources

Fertility preservation and family-building options are not one-size-fits-all, and each person’s journey is unique. Speaking with a fertility specialist who understands the needs of the LGBTQ+ community is crucial. TRIO Fertility Mississauga is committed to providing compassionate and inclusive care, helping you explore your options and decide on the path that works best for you.

If you’re thinking about fertility preservation or planning for a family, connect with our clinic today to learn more about your options.

Resources

If you or someone you know is considering fertility preservation, reach out to TRIO Fertility Mississauga for expert guidance. We’re here to support your family-building goals every step of the way.

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