How to have your T and birth control, too!

[Ravin]

This post is really about the importance of speaking up and asking questions with your doctor.

I went last week to a PCP who does HRT therapy. I'd have walked out of there with a dose of T in me that day except he had reservations about my Mirena IUD. So, he sent me to an OB/GYN who is experienced in working with the trans community. In the interim, I researched and found exactly ZERO information contraindicating the combo of T with IUD use or the low dose of progesterone that comes with the IUD. In fact I found indications that progesterone can be used in combo with T if a transman keeps menstruating despite the T.

Since I am with a male partner, I wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea of being left without reliable birth control. And, frankly, the lack of bleeding is a big plus, too. But mostly I do NOT want to get knocked up at this point! It's time to transition, dang it!

So, I talked to the GYN. She talked to the PCP, because she knew of no reason for contraindication, either. For the time being, I'm keeping the Mirena. I'm scheduled for essure (30 day waiting period by state law for sterilization), and 3 months after that goes in, I'll have the IUD out. By then I"ll have been on T for almost 4 months, and periods coming back to torment me is unlikely.

So, the moral of the story: There are times when you can have your cake and eat it too, at least if you ask questions and speak up for yourself. It's important to know the "why" of what you're doing when making informed medical decisions, not just the "what."

[Guest]

Hi Ravin,

Yes, being proactive with your doctors is a positive. A person who engages actively in their health care gets far better results than by just letting the doctor decide.

Love, Megan