Study Analyzes Fertility Preservation for Feminizing Transgender Patients

A Pediatrics study examines the viability of fertility preservation for adolescent and young adult transgender individuals who have initiated therapy for gender dysphoria. The study, “Fertility Preservation Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Feminizing Transgender Patients,” to be published in the September 2019 issue (published online August 5) reviewed data collected retrospectively from 10 patients between 2016 and 2018. Eight of the 10 patients had no prior history of being treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormones that suppress puberty. Two patients had previously initiated gonadotropin-releasing hormone and/or estrogen treatment for gender dysphoria, which they stopped temporarily before attempting semen cryopreservation. The authors conclude that semen cryopreservation is a viable method of fertility preservation for feminizing transgender individuals. Further research is needed to determine the optimal length of time that gender-affirming therapies should be discontinued for successful semen cryopreservation.

Editor’s note: A solicited commentary, “Fertility Preservation Outcomes and Considerations in Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth,” will be published in Pediatrics.

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