Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
07:37
Human Ovarian Surface Epithelium Organoids as a Platform to Study Tissue Regeneration
Published on: August 16, 2024
Reproductive wish in transsexual men
Katrien Wierckx1, Eva Van Caenegem, Guido Pennings
1Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium. katrien.wierckx@ugent.be
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|December 1, 2011
Summary
Most transsexual men desire to have children. Discussions about reproductive options and germ cell preservation should be integrated into the transition process for female-to-male individuals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine
- Gender-affirming care
- Transgender health
Background:
- Hormonal therapy and sex reassignment surgery (SRS) cause irreversible loss of reproductive potential in transsexual individuals.
- Emerging technologies may enable female-to-male transsexual individuals (transsexual men) to have genetically related children.
- Limited information exists regarding the reproductive desires of transsexual men post-SRS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reproductive wishes of transsexual men after undergoing sex reassignment surgery (SRS).
- To understand the desire for genetic parenthood among transsexual men.
Main Methods:
- A self-constructed questionnaire was administered to 50 transsexual men in a single-center study.
- Data collected included current relationship status, parental status, and desire for future children.
- Inquiry into past consideration of germ cell preservation techniques.
Main Results:
- Over half of participants (54%) desired to have children.
- Participants without existing children expressed a greater desire for future children (P=0.006).
- 37.5% had considered germ cell freezing if it had been available previously.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority of transsexual men express a desire for biological children.
- Reproductive health discussions, including germ cell preservation, are crucial during the transition process.
- Healthcare providers should address the implications for genetic parenthood during transition planning.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:25Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
01:16Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...