Many trans men and transmasculine individuals dream of becoming parents, but traditional paths may not align with their transition goals.
Whether you're early in your transition, years into hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or somewhere in between, you have options. Surrogacy for trans men can offer a meaningful, affirming path to parenthood.
You might wonder if you can use your eggs after starting testosterone or how the surrogacy process works. This guide is here to help answer those questions. If you're ready to take the next step, you can get free information from a surrogacy specialist today.
Yes. Surrogacy is a family-building option for trans men who don’t have a uterus, don’t want to carry a pregnancy or have medical reasons that make pregnancy unsafe. Both single trans men and those with partners can pursue this path. Working with a gestational surrogate means you can still have a biological connection to your child without the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy. This option has become increasingly accessible as more clinics and agencies offer inclusive, affirming care.Can Trans Men Become Dads Through IVF and Surrogacy?
How Surrogacy Works for Trans Parents
The surrogacy process for trans men generally follows the same path as for any intended parent, with a few specific considerations. Here's what to expect:
Work with a fertility clinic to retrieve your eggs (or use donor eggs), fertilize them with sperm from your partner or a donor and create embryos via in vitro fertilization (IVF). Connect with an LGBTQ+ inclusive surrogacy agency to discuss your goals and timeline. This is your chance to ask questions about the legal steps and available support. Your agency will help you connect with a gestational carrier. The best agencies pre-screen potential surrogates to minimize roadblocks. Experienced attorneys will help you and your surrogate create a legal agreement to protect everyone involved. Once it’s signed, the embryo transfer can begin. You can stay involved during the pregnancy and communicate often with your surrogate, if you'd like. Your agency will help you prepare to welcome your child.
Can a transgender man have a biological child? Yes. If having a genetic connection to your child is important to you, you may be able to use your own eggs. The process includes hormone stimulation and egg retrieval, followed by embryo creation through IVF. Freezing your eggs before starting HRT usually offers the best success rates. Testosterone can impact egg quality over time, so planning ahead gives you more options. Still, some trans men can successfully retrieve eggs even after beginning HRT. Yes. Many trans men have paused HRT to retrieve and freeze their eggs. Fertility doctors typically ask you to stop testosterone for several weeks or months to restore natural function before egg retrieval. This pause in HRT, combined with IVF stimulation medications and the egg retrieval process, may cause gender dysphoria for some trans men. It's important to work with a fertility clinic that understands these challenges and can provide appropriate support and counseling throughout the process. Success rates vary depending on your age, health and how long you’ve been on testosterone. If egg quality is low or egg retrieval isn’t possible, using a donor egg is still a valid option.Biological Connection: Using Your Eggs in Surrogacy
Can Transgender Men Freeze their Eggs After Starting HRT?
Community and Support Resources for Trans Parents
Building a family as a trans person can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are resources that offer support and community:
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LGBTQ+ fertility organizations like Family Equality, which offers support specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals building families
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Hotlines such as the surrogacy hotline at 1-800-875-BABY and Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860
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Online communities such as r/queerception, r/ftm and r/TransMasc on Reddit where you can connect with others who understand your experience
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Support groups like the Queer and Trans Parent Support Group through Postpartum Support International
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Professional networks of trans-friendly fertility specialists, mental health counselors and legal professionals who specialize in LGBTQ+ family building
You deserve to work with an agency that sees and supports you fully. When evaluating options, look for these signs of inclusive, experienced care: Agencies with efficient matching processes and established surrogate networks can help you get started sooner. Look for agencies that pre-screen potential surrogates and provide comprehensive support throughout the process. The best agencies take time to understand your specific needs and preferences rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Transparent pricing and financial safeguards help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected costs. Inclusive practices: You deserve to work with professionals who see and support you exactly as you are.Choosing an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Surrogacy Agency
Ready to Start Your Family? Surrogacy for Trans Men Made Clear
American Surrogacy proudly supports the LGBTQ+ community and surrogacy for trans men and transmasculine individuals.
We’re here to tailor your experience to match your identity, values and dreams. Let’s build your family, your way.
Fill out our form to get free information and start your surrogacy journey today.