Reproductive Health and Fertility

Find your care

UCLA Health is a safe and supportive environment for transgender and gender diverse patients. Call 310-267-4334 to make an appointment.

Transgender and gender diverse individuals have the same range of reproductive desires as non-transgender people. It is recommended that prior to transition all transgender patients be counseled regarding the effects of transition fertility and reproduction.

For example, exogenous testosterone is used in transgender men to induce the development of male physical characteristics (virilization) and suppress feminizing characteristics and exogenous estrogen is used in transgender women to help feminize patients. Both administration of exogenous hormones and surgical management, including removal of reproductive organs such as the testes, ovaries and/or uterus can have clear impacts on fertility. Administration of exogenous hormones often suppress both ovulation and spermatogenesis (sperm cell development) which can often, although not always, resume after discontinuation of hormonal treatment. Surgical treatments that remove the ovaries or testes result in permanent loss of fertility.

Currently, we offer a number of fertility preservation options, including oocyte, embryo, and sperm cryopreservation.

Reproductive options for transmasculine patients

Transgender and gender diverse individuals have the same range of reproductive desires as non-transgender people. It is recommended that prior to transition all transgender patients be counseled regarding the effects of transition fertility and reproduction.

For example, exogenous testosterone is used in transgender men to induce the development of male physical characteristics (virilization) and suppress feminizing characteristics and exogenous estrogen is used in transgender women to help feminize patients. Both administration of exogenous hormones and surgical management, including removal of reproductive organs such as the testes, ovaries and/or uterus can have clear impacts on fertility. Administration of exogenous hormones often suppress both ovulation and spermatogenesis (sperm cell development) which can often, although not always, resume after discontinuation of hormonal treatment. Surgical treatments that remove the ovaries or testes result in permanent loss of fertility.

Currently, we offer a number of fertility preservation options, including oocyte, embryo, and sperm cryopreservation.

Reproductive options for transfeminine patients

Sperm Cryopreservation: There are so many considerations when undergoing gender transition. As a result, fertility concerns are sometimes overlooked by both patient and provider alike. Transfeminine patients may want to consider banking sperm prior to surgery to leave the option open in the future for biologic offspring. Sperm banking is easy to do and not very expensive. When the patient is ready to use the sperm, it can be thawed and used in assisted reproduction. If a patient is unable to collect a sperm sample, male reproductive surgeons at UCLA can surgically extract sperm for sperm banking.

Care Coordinator

  • At the UCLA Gender Health Program, we understand the unique challenges that gender-diverse patients face when searching for health care. Providing personalized care involves collaboration between specialty physicians, which is why we have a Care Coordinator as the first point of contact. Our dedicated Care Coordinator provides our gender-diverse patients with assistance in navigating the UCLA Health system, specifically including:
    • Providing information about UCLA’s Gender Health Program.
    • Taking an initial intake assessment in order to understand each person’s health care needs and goals.
    • Ensuring patients are established with a primary care provider.
    • Coordinating referrals for gender-affirming surgeries.
    • Identifying appropriate providers and coordinating referrals for other supportive services.
    • Coordinating insurance and benefits coverage.
    • Advocacy within UCLA Health in all aspects of care.
    • Providing linkages to UCLA and community-based resources.