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Conard R, Folsom L. Family planning preferences in transgender youth in an urban multi-disciplinary gender clinic. J Clin Transl Endocrinol 2024; 36:100353. [PMID: 38828403 PMCID: PMC11143893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Known barriers to family planning in the transgender population include low utilization of cryopreservation and decisional regret. There is growing data on the risk of infertility with GAHT, and on to what degree transgender adolescents feel informed about fertility and family planning options. Objective Assess preferences regarding options for family planning and fertility preservation in transgender adolescents treated with GAHT in a pediatric endocrinology gender clinic. The goal is to enhance patient education about potential effects of GAHT on fertility and options for family planning. Methods Forty one adolescents aged 10 years and older treated with GAHT in an urban outpatient pediatric endocrinology clinic were surveyed over a 6-month period from January to June 2022. Survey questions were multiple choice, Likert scale, and open-ended. Participants were at least 10 years of age, actively followed in the clinic, and receiving GAHT at time of enrollment. Results Forty one participants completed the survey. Four (10 %) expressed interest in discussing family planning with their provider. Eighteen (45 %) were open to discussion in the future; 16 (39 %) were not interested at all. 12 (30 %) participants were planning for future parenthood, and 16 (40 %) participants were undecided. Of those interested in parenthood 7 (53.8 %) planned to adopt or foster. Barriers to family planning expressed included financial concerns, potential need to pause GAHT, and social stigma of transgender parenthood. Twenty (50 %) participants recalled prior family planning discussion with their endocrinologist. Conclusion Family planning discussions may not be optimally impactful given that 50 % of participants did not recall the conversations. Family planning is a lower priority in this population as most desired to postpone discussion with their provider despite choosing treatment that could influence fertility. It is essential to identify methods to engage transgender youth in discussions related to family planning during GAHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Conard
- University of Louisville, School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, affiliated with Norton Children’s Medical Group, 571 S. Floyd Street, Ste. 432, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lisal Folsom
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, 571 S. Floyd Street, Ste. 128, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Norton Children’s Medical Group – Pediatric Endocrinology, 411 E. Chestnut St.. 7 Floor, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Norton Healthcare – Endocrinology, 210 E. Gray St, Ste 605, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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White J, Jackson A, Druce I, Gale J. Oocyte cryopreservation and reciprocal in vitro fertilization in a transgender man on long term testosterone gender-affirming hormone therapy: a case report. F S Rep 2024; 5:111-113. [PMID: 38524208 PMCID: PMC10958692 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To report a successful case of oocyte cryopreservation and subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a transgender male receiving continued testosterone gender-affirming hormone therapy, followed by reciprocal embryo transfer (ET). Design A case report of a rare case of fertility preservation in a transgender man with concomitant use of testosterone therapy for 4 years before and during ovarian stimulation. Setting Private fertility clinic with university affiliation. Patients A 26-year-old transgender man undergoing oocyte cryopreservation before gender-affirming surgery. Interventions Fertility preservation using oocyte cryopreservation and IVF with reciprocal fresh ET into a cisfemale partner. Main Outcome Measures Successful oocyte cryopreservation, oocyte thawing, and reciprocal IVF cycle. Results Oocyte cryopreservation of 29 mature oocytes. Sixteen mature oocytes survived the thaw, and 12 were fertilized with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A fresh ET of an advanced blastocyst resulted in a clinical pregnancy and live birth. Conclusions Fertility preservation with oocyte cryopreservation or IVF with embryo cryopreservation is feasible for patients on continued long-term testosterone gender-affirming therapy. Future studies on egg quality and reproductive outcomes are required. Our case report demonstrates a promising outcome in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin White
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Fertilty Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Jackson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Fertilty Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irena Druce
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenna Gale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Fertilty Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Ghofranian A, Estevez SL, Gellman C, Gounko D, Lee JA, Thornton K, Copperman AB. Fertility treatment outcomes in transgender men with a history of testosterone therapy. F S Rep 2023; 4:367-374. [PMID: 38204952 PMCID: PMC10774903 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate fertility treatment outcomes among transgender (TG) men with a history of gender-affirming hormone therapy with exogenous testosterone. Design Descriptive, retrospective cohort study. Patients Transgender men with a history of gender-affirming hormone therapy with exogenous testosterone underwent fertility treatments, including embryo cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization (IVF), co-IVF, oocyte cryopreservation, and intrauterine insemination (IUI), between 2013 and 2021. Intervention Gender-affirming hormone therapy with testosterone. Main Outcome Measures Live births (LBs), number of frozen embryos, and number of frozen oocytes. Other outcome measures included total gonadotropin used, peak estradiol levels, oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity rate, fertilization rate, and embryo grade. Results A total of 77 TG men self-presented or were referred to care at a single academic fertility center, of which 46 (59.7%) TG men underwent fertility preservation and/or family-building counseling, with 16 (20.8%) patients proceeding to fertility treatment. Of those patients who underwent treatment, 11 (68.8%) had a history of gender-affirming hormone therapy with exogenous testosterone use. Cohort 1 included IVF (n = 1), co-IVF (n = 1), embryo cryopreservation (n = 2), cohort 2 included oocyte cryopreservation (n = 4), and cohort 3 included IUI (n = 3). In cohort 1, both the patients who underwent IVF and the patients who underwent co-IVF achieved LBs. All embryo cryopreservation cycles froze three or more embryos. In cohort 2, the average number of frozen mature oocytes was 19.3 ± 16.2 (range 6-43). All patients who underwent IUI cycles achieved LB. Conclusion In this study, no correlation existed between patient age, time on or off gender-affirming hormone therapy with exogenous testosterone, total gonadotropin used, and number of oocytes retrieved. All patients who completed IVF or embryo cryopreservation produced high-quality blastocytes, and this is the first study to show successful IUI cycles in patients with a history of gender-affirming hormone therapy with exogenous testosterone. This study demonstrates that TG men who have used gender-affirming hormone therapy previously can successfully undergo fertility treatments to attain oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, pregnancy, and LBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atoosa Ghofranian
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, New York
| | - Samantha L. Estevez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, New York
| | - Caroline Gellman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Dmitry Gounko
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, New York
| | - Joseph A. Lee
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, New York
| | - Kimberly Thornton
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, New York
| | - Alan B. Copperman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, New York
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Schwartz AR, Xu M, Henderson NC, Dela Cruz C, Pfau D, Padmanabhan V, Shikanov A, Moravek MB. Impaired in vitro fertilization outcomes following testosterone treatment improve with washout in a mouse model of gender-affirming hormone treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:419.e1-419.e10. [PMID: 37453652 PMCID: PMC10654792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of gender-affirming testosterone on fertility is poorly understood, with ovarian histopathologic studies showing variable results, some with a detrimental effect on reproductive capacity and uncertain reversibility. Assisted reproductive outcome data are restricted to small case series that lack the ability to inform clinical practice guidelines and limit fertility preservation counseling for transgender and nonbinary individuals. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the impact of current testosterone and testosterone washout on in vitro fertilization outcomes in a mouse model for gender-affirming hormone treatment. We hypothesized that current or previous testosterone treatment would not affect in vitro fertilization outcomes. STUDY DESIGN C57BL/6N female mice (n=120) were assigned to 4 treatment groups: (1) current control, (2) current testosterone, (3) control washout, and (4) testosterone washout. Testosterone implants remained in situ for 6 or 12 weeks, representing the short- and long-term treatment arms, respectively. Current treatment groups underwent ovarian stimulation with implants in place, and washout treatment groups were explanted and had ovarian stimulation after 2 weeks. Oocytes were collected, fertilized, and cultured in vitro, with one arm continuing to the blastocyst stage and the other having transfer of cleavage-stage embryos. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism, version 9.0 and R statistical software, version 4.1.2, with statistical significance defined by P<.05. RESULTS Current long-term testosterone treatment impaired in vitro fertilization outcomes, with fewer mature oocytes retrieved (13.7±5.1 [standard deviation] vs 28.6±7.8 [standard deviation]; P<.0001) leading to fewer cleavage-stage embryos (12.1±5.1 vs 26.5±8.2; P<.0001) and blastocysts (10.0±3.2 vs 25.0±6.5; P<.0001). There was recovery of in vitro fertilization outcomes following washout in the short-term treatment cohort, with incomplete reversibility in the long-term cohort. Testosterone did not negatively affect maturity, fertilization, or blastulation rates. CONCLUSION In a mouse model of gender-affirming hormone treatment, testosterone negatively affected oocyte yield without affecting oocyte quality. Our findings suggest that testosterone reversibility is duration-dependent. These results demonstrate the feasibility of in vitro fertilization without testosterone discontinuation while supporting a washout period for optimization of mature oocyte yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Schwartz
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Min Xu
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Nicholas C Henderson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Daniel Pfau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Stolk THR, van den Boogaard E, Huirne JAF, van Mello NM. Fertility counseling guide for transgender and gender diverse people. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2023; 24:361-367. [PMID: 37901065 PMCID: PMC10601500 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2257062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T. H. R. Stolk
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E. van den Boogaard
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J. A. F. Huirne
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N. M. van Mello
- Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Han E, Seifer DB. Oocyte Cryopreservation for Medical and Planned Indications: A Practical Guide and Overview. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103542. [PMID: 37240648 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation (OC) is the process in which ovarian follicles are stimulated, the follicular fluid is retrieved, and mature oocytes are isolated and vitrified. Since the first successful pregnancy utilizing previously cryopreserved oocytes in 1986, OC has become increasingly utilized as an option for future biologic children in patients facing gonadotoxic therapies, such as for the treatment of cancer. Planned OC, also termed elective OC, is growing in popularity as a means to circumvent age-related fertility decline. In this narrative review, we describe both medically indicated and planned OC, focusing on the physiology of ovarian follicular loss, OC technique and risks, timing of when OC should be performed, associated financial considerations, and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Han
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - David B Seifer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Grateau S, Dupont C, Rivet-Danon D, Béranger A, Johnson N, Mathieu d'Argent E, Chabbert-Buffet N, Sermondade N. [Fertility preservation for transmen]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2022; 50:797-804. [PMID: 36183988 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of medical techniques as well as legislative changes currently allow to propose fertility preservation strategies in the context of transidentity. During "female to male" transition, androgen therapy has an impact on gonadal function since it usually induces a blockage of ovulation with amenorrhea. Although this effect is reversible when treatment is stopped, the possible long-term effects of testosterone treatment on future fertility or health of future children are poorly known. In addition, transitional surgeries definitely compromise fecundity when they include bilateral ovariectomy and/or hysterectomy. Yet, although long ignored or poorly expressed, the desire for parenthood is a reality in transgender men. Fertility preservation options in FtM transition rely on oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the literature regarding fertility preservation in transgender men. Although series remain limited, the increase in the number of recently published articles reflects the interest in improving the management of fertility issues in transgender men.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Grateau
- Service de biologie de la reproduction - CECOS, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
| | - C Dupont
- Service de biologie de la reproduction - CECOS, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
| | - D Rivet-Danon
- Service de biologie de la reproduction - CECOS, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
| | - A Béranger
- Service de biologie de la reproduction - CECOS, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
| | - N Johnson
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique-médecine de la reproduction, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - E Mathieu d'Argent
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique-médecine de la reproduction, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - N Chabbert-Buffet
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique-médecine de la reproduction, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - N Sermondade
- Service de biologie de la reproduction - CECOS, Sorbonne université, hôpital Tenon, AP-HP, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France.
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Fertility Preservation and Reproductive Potential in Transgender and Gender Fluid Population. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092279. [PMID: 36140377 PMCID: PMC9496568 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gender diverse and transgender community is a minor patient group that is encountered with increasing frequency in the clinical setting, attributed to the improved awareness and access to medical facilities. Partial impairment to permanent elimination of fertility potential and outcomes depending on the treatment modality usually is a result of gender-affirming therapy, which includes both hormone therapy and surgical intervention. Although seldom conducted in the clinical field, transgender patients should be counseled on their fertility preservation options prior to medical and surgical gender transition. There is relatively limited data and clinical information regarding fertility preservation for transgender individuals. Current treatment regimens are based on protocols from fertility preservation after oncological treatments. Major barriers for the transgender population exist due to the lack of information provided and clinical narrative that is not familiar to the physician or health care provider, although there are various options for fertility preservation. A deeper understanding of this clinical agenda and the mandatory processes will ultimately result in a much more comprehensive and specific care for transgender individuals who are in great need for fertility counseling or treatment options that concern fertility preservation. In this review, current clinical approaches will be summarized and fertility preservation options along with ongoing and future clinical trials in fertility preservation for transgender individuals will be thoroughly reviewed.
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Fertility Preservation for Transgender Males. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 139:1012-1017. [DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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10
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Alpern S, Yaish I, Wagner-Kolasko G, Greenman Y, Sofer Y, Lifshitz DP, Groutz A, Azem F, Amir H. Why fertility preservation rates of transgender men are much lower than those of transgender women. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 44:943-950. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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