Here at SRM we believe parenthood is a joyful, life-changing journey all people have the right to experience. Whether you are interested in preserving your fertility or are ready to start building your family now – SRM is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment and personalized, compassionate fertility care to our transgender, gender non-binary, and gender queer community.
While some gender affirming therapies (such as hormones and surgical procedures) can impact your fertility, your provider will work with you – no matter where you are at in your journey – to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet your unique needs. Our goal is to provide a patient-centered approach so you can feel confident, informed, and empowered.
Ready to build your family?
How exciting! The first step is to meet with an SRM provider who will work with you to create a treatment plan for your specific needs and goals. Intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), donor egg, donor sperm, donor embryo, and gestational carriers are all potential treatment options depending on you and your partner’s (if applicable) specific circumstances. We will help you to achieve your dream of growing your family!
Fertility Preservation Options
Sperm Freezing:
Sperm cryopreservation, or freezing, is a simple process. After the semen samples is collected an analysis is performed so we can counsel you on the amount and quality of the sperm, as well as how many vials you should freeze. The sample is then frozen and can remain in storage indefinitely until you are ready to use it.
In some cases, sperm and/or testicular tissue can be collected surgically and frozen. In order to use these types of samples, in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in which an individual sperm is injected into an egg, is required.
Egg Freezing:
Fertility preservation for those with eggs involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones in order to encourage development of multiple eggs. Eggs are then collected with a surgical procedure called an egg retrieval. Once the eggs are retrieved, they can either be frozen in an unfertilized state OR fertilized with sperm (partner or donor) to create embryos and then frozen.
Ovary tissue cryopreservation, freezing pieces of the ovary, may be an option in the near future.
Using Your Frozen Eggs or Sperm:
So now you are ready to grow your family?! First, you will meet with your provider to develop a treatment plan for thawing your eggs, sperm, or embryos. You will work with your provider and your coordinator to create a plan and timeline that works best for you.
Options for frozen sperm include:
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) to a patient/partner with a uterus
• In vitro fertilization using partner or donor eggs and transfer of created embryos to the patient/partner with a uterus or a gestational carrier.
Options for those without frozen eggs or sperm:
Once you are ready to grow your family, you’ll meet with your provider to develop a treatment plan for thawing your frozen eggs, sperm, or embryos. Your provider and coordinator will work with you to create a plan and timeline that works best for you.