Building Families: Fertility Support 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. 

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.

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

"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."

Take the first step on the path to parenthood by booking a consultation with one of our fertility experts.