[Desire for Parenthood/Motherhood and Fertility in Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Populations in Chile]

The transgender population is growing and has specific health needs. Their desire for parenthood and their awareness of the adverse effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy is largely unknown.

To determine the desire for parenthood and the knowledge about the effects of gender-affirming hormonal therapies on fertility among transgender individuals attending a national reference health center.

Between 2019 and 2020, a representative survey was conducted with 100 transgender individuals at a nationally recognized transgender health center.

The sample included 55 transfeminine individuals, 43 transmasculine individuals, and 2 non-binary individuals, with an average age of 29 years. Eighty-six had completed secondary education, and 90 were single. Sixty-nine percent were undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy. Fifteen individuals had considered becoming parents; all of them reported not clearly understanding the effects of hormone treatment on their fertility. Only 4% had received information from health professionals regarding fertility options. Ten percent lived with children-three with biological children and seven with adopted children.

Fifteen percent of the respondents expressed a desire for fertility but lacked clear information about the impact of hormone therapy on their reproductive capacity and options for fertility preservation. It is essential that healthcare professionals inform transgender individuals about their fertility possibilities and the effects of hormone therapy. Public policies related to fertility treatments for this population also need to be revised.