Transmen Can Have Biological kids!

I am a transman from India. For the longest time, I thought I was the only transman in the world (no kidding!) and that my situation was unique. Then gradually I realized that I wasn’t the only one. There were “some” like me. Eventually, it took my first Trans pride in 2016 in Americas to tell me just HOW MANY of us existed on this planet! 😂 I still remember my bewilderment when I saw a sea of transmen and one of them handed me a trans-flag (we have our own flag!? WT-Hell yeah!) I looked dazed and smiled like a buffoon!

Then, last year when I was visiting my beloved country, I met a bunch of Indian Transmen with whom I share camaraderie. We have these groups that we are a part of and exchange a lot of messages asking about stuff that concerns us. There is ofc a lot of rumour mongering, fear mongering amongst the help, which as a matter of fact is the biggest reason for this blog. I thank this set of people for providing me the inspiration to start this blog. 😉

Anyway, so today, when I woke up, I checked my whatsApp and there was this message by a trans-brother asking me to help him with information about- ‘how to freeze eggs’ before starting the transition. I personally didn’t have any idea, so I told him to hold on while I posted this question on some groups. The outcome wasn’t very appealing, so I did some research and found out the following details.

Popular Trend

It’s increasingly becoming popular now with career-oriented women and trans-men, who later want to have their own kids, to freeze their eggs so that they can have their own children. While it’s commonly accepted and understood of women freezing their eggs, it’s a bit of a task for trans-men. We have a set of trans-specific challenges ranging from our own dysphoria to how we are treated at the medical facilities.

Why should you do it?

Well, you don’t “have to” do it. It’s only in case you want to have a child of your own that you can avail of this process. Personally, I hadn’t paid it much of a thought until I came across a few trans-men who had done it. Got me curious but still not enough to start the process, so, though I am not interested in it, it’s for all those who want to have a kid who looks like them and has some of their characteristics in them (the biggest reason I don’t want a kid!!) that I feel obliged to divulge that you can actually go ahead and have a kid of your own.

How does it work?

Fertility becomes restricted because of the hormone treatments that are involved during the transition process. This makes it all the more vital to make the right decisions as soon as possible to ensure that they can reproduce after their hormone therapy and surgical procedures have taken place. Having them stored allows you to use a surrogate mother to carry the child through delivery. In case of a heterosexual transman, who may be dating or is married to a cisgender female, these eggs can be fertilized through that partner as well. For egg freezing, fertility drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce a number of eggs. These eggs are then harvested using a minor surgical procedure. 

Trans Related Challenges: –

For transmen, their body and organs are a sensitive issue (as they may be for transwomen) but I, being a transman, can only write with experience about our issues. Well, to begin with, I know for a fact that pre-transition guys get misgendered all the time. Even at the hospitals. When you go for the procedure, you should be mentally prepared that you are going to get all- “she’s” and “her’s”. I know cuts like a knife but get this- THERE IS NO FREAKING ALTERNATIVE, SO, TOUGHEN UP. Be a warrior, hold your chin up. Just because someone called you “Ma’am,” you aren’t becoming one, ok!

The talk of sperms makes transmen squirm but the eggs need to mate in order to fertilize. If you are uncomfortable, send your mate, friend, anyone else, who you trust to do this task for you.

Some fertility drugs that are used in the process can trigger heavy menstrual cycles, thereby exacerbating your dysphoria.

Transmen, who have already begun their transition can halt it for the time being to reverse the effects of the HRT and still will be able to freeze the eggs. A trained medical professional will be the best person to guide you with it. I have given the details at the end of the article.

General Challenges: –

The cost of the whole procedure can be astronomical. Finances are a big factor. The cost of freezing eggs can be anywhere from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 100,000, depending upon a lot of factors, from the hospital and doctor fees to the age and condition of the transman. Post that there is an annual fee for preserving those eggs. This too may vary depending upon factors.

Hospitals that offer this facility in India: –

Fortis: https://www.fortishealthcare.com/india/key-medical-procedures/egg-freezing-115

Femme Life, this one is actually across India in six locations: https://femelife.com/contact-us/

Infertility Aide: https://www.infertilityaide.com/contact

Hospitals offering these services in North America: –

Any health care provider that your insurance provider covers.

I am sure that the hospital nearest to your location also does it. Just take a deep breath, exhale that discomfort out, take out the phone and dial the number.

Hope, I was able to touch upon all the points that are of relevance in this article.

BTW! We had a zoom call this morning on the TransGender Act. A lot of our brothers from various groups joined. I would call it a successful call, rest you can ask them and get a feedback and yes! You are invited to the next one. 😊

Till next time,

Cheerio

Keep your head high,

Be yourself. Be happy.

Your brother,

Abhi