Fertility Preservation Discussions with Transgender People in Canada Prior to Beginning Medical Gender Affirmation
Abstract
Background. Prevalence of fertility preservation discussions and procedures, participant characteristics associated with discussions, and prevalence of desire to parent are described.
Methods. Describes, for a clinical sample of < 16-year-olds: medical chart-recorded discussion and procedure prevalence, and desire to parent longitudinally. Describes self-reported discussion prevalence for a community sample of 14- to 39-year-olds. Bivariate and multivariable modified Poisson analyses were conducted for this sample.
Results. Discussion prevalence was confirmed for approximately 80% of the clinical sample, with approximately 20% unconfirmed. Self-reported discussion prevalence was 45% in the community sample. Non-binary gender with female sex at birth, greater family religiosity, and diagnosed mental health condition excluding depression or anxiety were crudely associated with less discussions. Multivariable analyses revealed no statistically significant predictors. Desire to parent was fairly consistent over time.
Conclusion. Discussions should be standard practice for all fertile patients pursuing medical gender affirmation.