Timing and Delivery of Fertility Preservation Information to Transgender Adolescents, Young Adults, and Their Parents

Purpose: This study aimed to examine transgender adolescents and young adults' (AYA) and their parents' preferences regarding fertility preservation (FP) information provision and discussion timing. Methods: Data were derived from two separate studies: an online survey and semistructured qualitative interviews. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interview data using conventional content analysis. Results: Survey participants (AYA: 88% and parents: 93%) preferred gender clinic physicians provide FP information, and nearly one-third endorsed mental health professionals (AYA: 28% and parents: 26%) or fertility specialists (AYA: 23% and parents: 30%). Interview participants' FP discussion timing preferences ranged from the initial clinic visit, follow-up visits, before medical intervention, to mentioning FP early but deferring in-depth discussion to follow-up visits. Conclusions: Gender clinic physicians, mental health professionals, and fertility specialists should be prepared to discuss FP with transgender AYA and their parents. Opinions varied regarding when to provide FP information; therefore, discussion timing may need to be individualized. (C) 2020 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that the majority of transgender adolescents and young adults, as well as their parents, prefer gender clinic physicians to provide information on fertility preservation. Opinions varied regarding the timing of discussions, suggesting a need for individualized approaches.