Building Families: Fertility Support for Transgender Individuals
At Care Fertility, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build their family. We provide compassionate support and specialised fertility services tailored for transgender individuals and couples.
Understanding fertility for transgender individuals
Navigating fertility as a transgender individual involves unique considerations. Whether you're exploring fertility preservation before transitioning or planning for parenthood post-transition, we're here to help you understand your options.
Hormone therapy and fertility
Hormone therapy is a common route that some, but not all, transgender people follow during their gender transition. Our team provides specialised support to manage the impact of hormone therapy on fertility and offers solutions to optimise your chances of conceiving when you're ready.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs)
Navigating fertility options as a transgender individual involves understanding various Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) available at Care Fertility. Whether you're considering fertility preservation or actively pursuing parenthood, we offer personalised solutions to support your journey.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a widely used ART that involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body. This method is suitable for various fertility challenges and allows for embryo transfer to a surrogate or gestational carrier.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to facilitate fertilisation. This technique is beneficial for individuals with male-factor infertility or using donor sperm.
Egg freezing
Fertility preservation through egg freezing allows transgender men and assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals to preserve their eggs before starting hormone therapy or undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. Frozen eggs can later be used for IVF when you're ready to start your family.
Sperm freezing
Sperm freezing is crucial for transgender women or individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) who wish to preserve their fertility before undergoing hormone therapy or other medical interventions. Care Fertility ensures safe and effective storage of sperm for future use in fertility treatments.
Embryo freezing
Embryo freezing involves fertilising eggs with sperm in the laboratory to create embryos, which are then frozen for later use. This option is ideal for couples undergoing IVF who wish to preserve multiple embryos or for individuals who prefer the stability of frozen embryos before starting hormone therapy.
Donor egg or sperm
For transgender individuals who do not have viable eggs or sperm, donor eggs or sperm can be used in conjunction with IVF or IUI treatments. Care Fertility helps you with the selection and use of donor gametes, ensuring compatibility and supporting your family-building goals.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy is an option for transgender individuals who are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. Embryos created through IVF using donor eggs or sperm can be transferred to a gestational carrier who will carry the pregnancy to term.
Reciprocal IVF
Reciprocal IVF (also known as shared motherhood) allows both AFAB partners to actively participate in the pregnancy journey. One partner provides the egg, which is fertilised and transferred to the other partner's uterus for gestation.
Support throughout your journey
We understand the emotional and physical aspects of your fertility journey. Our team offers personalised support, including counselling and access to LGBTQ+-friendly resources, to ensure you feel empowered and informed at every step.
Legal considerations
It is important for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals understand the legal aspects of their treatment. In particular, surrogacy agreements are not enforceable in law and the surrogate and spouse or civil partner (if there is one) will be the legal parent of a child until a parental order is granted. At Care Fertility we will only provide treatment where we are assured that the intended parents will – subject to the surrogate’s consent – be able to get a parental order.
For same-sex couples who are considering reciprocal IVF (also known as shared motherhood), there may be questions around adoption, to ensure that both parents are legally acknowledged.
Surrogacy and adoption are particularly complex areas of family law and while we cannot recommend legal advisers, we have listed below a number of advisers who we believe have the relevant experience. There is no obligation for you to seek advice from any of these firms of course.
Livingstons
Laytons LLP
NGA Law
Makin Dixon
JMW Solicitors
Family Law Group
Cost of fertility treatment
Understanding the financial aspects of fertility treatment is essential. For detailed information on costs, read our guide to IVF costs, or book a consultation to discuss your options. We understand that cost is an important consideration, and we offer various packages and financing options to make treatment more accessible.
LGBTQ+ patient stories
Hearing from others who have walked the same path can be incredibly reassuring. We share stories from our LGBTQ+ patients to inspire and support you on your journey to parenthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fertility options are available for transgender individuals?
How does hormone therapy affect fertility?
Are there risks or considerations unique to transgender fertility treatments?
How can I preserve my fertility before starting hormone therapy?
Does Care Fertility provide support for transgender individuals throughout their fertility journey?
Transparency in Our Language
"In our content, we use terms like 'transgender', 'gender-affirming', and 'assigned male/female at birth' to respect and acknowledge diverse gender identities. We strive to provide inclusive care that respects your identity and supports your fertility goals."
Ready to begin your journey to parenthood?
Take the first step on the path to parenthood by booking a consultation with one of our fertility experts.