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Chapter 22 - Contraceptive Advice for Trans Male Persons

from Section D - Sexuality and Contraception

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2022

By
Giulia Gava ,
Ilaria Mancini  and
Maria Cristina Meriggiola
Edited by
Mick van Trotsenburg ,
Rixt A. C. Luikenaar  and
Maria Cristina Meriggiola
Mick van Trotsenburg
Affiliation:
Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversität, Wien
Rixt A. C. Luikenaar
Affiliation:
Rebirth Health Center, Utah
Maria Cristina Meriggiola
Affiliation:
Università di Bologna
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Summary

Unintended pregnancies among transgender men undergoing gender-affirming hormonal treatments (GAHTs) with testosterone (T) have been reported, and T cannot be considered a contraceptive method, due to the incomplete suppression of gonadal function. Despite that, awareness about the necessity of concomitant contraception during T treatment is lacking among transgender individuals, but also among clinicians. Data are scarce regarding the best contraceptive choice in transgender men: some considerations are the same as those for cisgender women, but benefits and risks of any contraceptive option should be discussed, recognizing differences in needs and concerns in this population. Trans men who still have their ovaries and uterus and engage in sexual activity with a person with a penis and testicles should be counseled regarding contraception. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) alone should not be considered a reliable form of contraception. For this reason, this topic and the discussion of fertility and family planning should be covered before the start of GAHT and rediscussed during follow-up visits.

Type
Chapter
Information
Context, Principles and Practice of TransGynecology
Managing Transgender Patients in ObGyn Practice
 , pp. 168 - 171
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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