Denver, CO – Researchers as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress reported on several exciting studies in the rapidly growing field of transgender reproduction. Before undergoing medical and/or surgical transition, transgender people may freeze eggs or sperm to preserve their future fertility.  New research presented today sheds light on reproductive outcomes in this population.

In the first study, a team from Beth Israel and Boston IVF reported on the results of ovarian stimulation in female to male transgender patients. Twenty-five stimulation cycles involving 22 transmale patients were compared with 75 cycles from cis-gender female patients with tubal factor infertility who were similar in age, body mass index (BMI) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Using similar doses of fertility medications, the transgender patients had a higher mean number of oocytes retrieved (19.7) than the controls (13.2).  They also had a higher mean number of mature oocytes retrieved (14.6 vs 10.6).  Most of the transgender patients were planning on freezing their eggs, so findings on fertilization rates are limited. However, in those who underwent insemination, fertilization rates were comparable to the rates found in the control group.

A Kansas based research team assessed sperm counts among male to female transgender patients. This study compared semen collected from 11 transgender women seeking to preserve sperm with that of 16 cisgender-men who had recently fathered children.  Sperm concentration and total motile (moving) sperm counts in the transgender women were found to be significantly lower than in the control group.  However, hormone levels did not differ significantly between the two groups.  Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

“This important research will help us with our evidence-based counseling as we see growing numbers of transgender patients seeking medical assistance to become parents” said Paula Amato, MD a member of the ASRM Board of Directors.

O-46 A. Leung et al “Female to Male Transgender Patients Have Good Egg Yields with Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation.”

O-47 M. McKracken et al “Total Motile Sperm in Transgender Women Seeking Hormone Therapy: A Case-Control Study.”

ASRM is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine. The Society accomplishes its mission through the pursuit of excellence in education and research and through advocacy on behalf of patients, physicians, and affiliated health care providers. The Society is committed to facilitating and sponsoring educational activities for the lay public and continuing medical education activities for professionals who are engaged in the practice of and research in reproductive medicine. www.asrm.org