Testosterone, Conception, and Pregnancy
Introduction:
Testosterone therapy is a crucial component of gender-affirming care for transgender men and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB). However, managing testosterone therapy before, during, and after pregnancy requires careful consideration to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the individual and their child. This article explores the considerations and recommendations for testosterone use in gender-affirming care throughout the stages of pregnancy.
Before Pregnancy:
Individuals assigned female at birth who are considering pregnancy should consider the implications of testosterone therapy on fertility and pregnancy. It’s essential to understand that testosterone therapy can impact fertility by suppressing ovulation and menstrual cycles. Therefore, individuals who wish to conceive may need to temporarily discontinue testosterone therapy to optimize fertility.
You can consider discontinuing testosterone therapy for several months before attempting to conceive to allow menstrual cycles to resume and optimize the chances of pregnancy.
During Pregnancy:
For transgender men and non-binary individuals who become pregnant while on testosterone therapy, it’s crucial to discontinue testosterone immediately upon confirmation of pregnancy. Testosterone exposure during pregnancy will have adverse effects on fetal development, including virilization of a female fetus, which can lead to ambiguous genitalia and other developmental abnormalities.
Transgender men and non-binary individuals should have access to comprehensive prenatal care to address their unique healthcare needs during pregnancy.
After Pregnancy:
After giving birth, individuals who temporarily discontinued testosterone therapy to conceive can resume therapy once breast or chest feeding is complete. However, resuming testosterone therapy while breast or chest feeding will have adverse effects on the infant.
Conclusion:
Testosterone therapy plays a significant role in gender-affirming care for transgender men and non-binary individuals, but careful consideration is necessary before, during, and after pregnancy. People need comprehensive support and guidance to individuals who navigate testosterone therapy in the context of pregnancy to ensure optimal outcomes for both the individual and their child. By providing personalized care and education individuals can make informed decisions about both their reproductive health and gender-affirming care journey.
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