Can trans women father children? Can trans men get pregnant? Here’s what Science says

When it comes to transgender people, one of the most common yet least openly asked questions is: Can they have biological children? The short answer is yes, in many cases, they can. However, the full story is a bit more complex, and it’s surrounded by myths that need clarification.

For transgender men (people assigned female at birth but living as male), pregnancy is still possible if they keep their uterus and ovaries. There are already documented cases of transgender men carrying and giving birth to children, showing that parenthood is not limited by gender identity.

For transgender women (people assigned male at birth but living as female), it depends on whether they have had surgery and whether their body still produces sperm. Those who haven’t undergone gender-affirming surgery may be able to father a child biologically.

 The biggest factor that affects fertility is hormone therapy. Doctors note that long-term use of testosterone or oestrogen can reduce or even stop sperm and egg production. Sometimes this change is permanent, which is why many healthcare providers recommend freezing sperm or eggs before starting hormone treatment. This option gives transgender people the chance to have biological children later in life, even after transition.

Medical journals like the ‘Journal of Se*ual Medicine’ and the ‘American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology’ confirm these findings, highlighting the importance of fertility counselling in transgender healthcare.

Beyond the science, though, lies something more powerful: choice. Parenthood, whether through biology, surrogacy, or adoption, is about love and responsibility — not just genetics.

So, can a transgender person become a biological parent? Yes, but it depends on their body, their medical choices, and sometimes, planning ahead. What matters most is not how the child arrives but the love and support that shape their life.

PNN