The answer is complex, but a transgender woman (male-to-female) cannot get pregnant in the traditional sense after surgery. However, they can still father a child.
Here's a breakdown:
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After male-to-female (MTF) surgery, a transgender woman no longer possesses the biological organs necessary for carrying a pregnancy. This surgery typically involves the removal of the testes and often the penis, and the creation of a neovagina.
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However, transgender women can still be biological fathers if they have cryopreserved sperm.
Options for having children
If a transgender woman desires to have children, several options are available:
- Using Cryopreserved Sperm with a Female Partner: According to the reference, transgender women with a female partner may use their cryopreserved sperm for partner insemination. This allows their partner to carry the pregnancy.
- Using a Gestational Carrier: The reference also states that MTF patients with cryopreserved sperm who do not have a female partner can use a gestational carrier (surrogate).
Summary Table
| Scenario | Conception Method | Who Carries Pregnancy? |
|---|---|---|
| MTF with female partner, sperm preserved | Partner insemination | Female Partner |
| MTF, sperm preserved, no female partner | Gestational carrier (surrogate) | Gestational Carrier |
