HRT while maintaining fertility?

[SandraG]

Based on personal research, I'm pretty sure the answer to this is a firm "no," but I figured I'd ask anyway.

Is there a form of HRT I can do that won't affect sperm count? My wife and I want to have a child, but the usual sperm bank/IVF combo is INCREDIBLY expensive (it can cost almost as much as the transition itself!), risky in its own way (esp. for a couple where one is trans), and basically something that we want to avoid at all costs. At the same time, I'm looking forward to HRT more than any other part of my medical transition!

Is there a way I can begin the process without a significant chance of compromising my fertility? I know that some transwomen have high sperm counts throughout HRT, and some regain high sperm counts after stopping for a period of time, but from what I've read the first is rare, and the second is a very hit or miss proposition. 

[Jackie C.]

To the best of my knowledge, there isn't but that sounds like a good question to ask your endocrinologist. They might be able to point you at another banking facility that's a bit less ruinous.

 

On the subject, does it have to be genetically yours? There's a lot of kids out there that need a loving home. There are challenges to adoption for a same-sex couple, but if you really want kids I'd adopt and spend the money on your kid rather than freezing sperm. On that note, what about a sperm donor? That's all assuming you're both fertile in the first place.

 

The point being that there are lots of options. If the point is giving love to a child, your specific fertility doesn't really matter.

 

Hugs!

[ToniTone]

To the best of my knowledge, I'm pretty sure no, there is not. 

 

But I would float the idea of considering adoption. There are plenty of children in the world who need a loving home. 

 

It's a shame the sperm bank is so expensive... 

 

~Toni

[ToniTone]

Sorry, I see Jackie mentioned that. I'm such a ditz lol... well I second that! 

[SandraG]

Thank you! Like I said, that's what I suspected. 

We don't object to adopting, but with the way things have been going - and the fact that many different adoption groups are overtly (and bigotedly) conservative religious - and backed up by abusive DHHS-type state bureaucracies - it seems like something we may not be allowed to do, as stupid as it is, depending on where we end up.

[TommieAnne]

I seem to recall reading that after from 6 months to a year on HRT the testes are permanently infertile. But you need to discuss this with your endocrinologist, who may have suggestions and answers for a path forward for you.

[NB Adult]

Wouldn't want any kids after what I've been through, but any MtF just starting HRT who are considering ot can always bank some sperm.