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13.06.25

LGBTQ+ Family Planning: Why Starting Early Matters

LGBTQ+ Family Planning: Why Starting Early Matters

In a time when gender diversity is more widely embraced, starting a family in your own way is no longer just a dream—it’s a real, reachable goal. No matter who you are, everyone deserves the opportunity to imagine a family of their own.

But before taking the first step on that path, early family planning is essential. Regardless of your gender identity or relationship status, thoughtful planning today is an investment in the future you envision.

This Pride Month, SAFE Fertility Group PCL proudly supports every identity by sharing trusted information guidance for LGBTQ+ individuals preparing to grow their families safely and confidently.

2 Things Every LGBTQ+ Individual Should Know About Fertility

1. Age & Fertility Should Not Be Overlooked

Fertility naturally declines with age, regardless of gender identity.

  • For those with ovaries, egg quality declines significantly after age 35 and more rapidly after 40.
  • For those with testes, sperm is produced continuously, but quality—such as motility and morphology—also decreases with age, particularly after 45-50.

Preserving eggs or sperm while young and healthy significantly increases the chances of starting a family in the future.

2. Hormone Therapy and Gender Transition Can Impact Fertility

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender individuals, gender-affirming treatments like hormone therapy are vital for mental and emotional well-being.

However, these treatments can directly affect reproductive capacity:

  • Testosterone therapy for individuals with ovaries may stop ovulation and, over time, reduce egg production due to ovarian atrophy.
  • Estrogen and antiandrogen therapy for individuals with testes can reduce sperm count or even halt sperm production—temporarily or permanently depending on duration and dosage.

In some cases, fertility may return after discontinuing hormones, but full recovery is not guaranteed and may require time and medical intervention.

For this reason, fertility preservation—such as freezing eggs or sperm before starting hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery—is a critical option for LGBTQ+ individuals who want the possibility of having biological children in the future.

Smart Planning Options for LGBTQ+ Community

Reproductive health involves more than most people realize. Understanding and protecting your fertility early is a smart and empowering step—especially for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating hormone therapy or gender transition in the future.

SAFE Fertility Group PCL recommends the following fertility care strategies tailored to your journey:

1. Fertility Health Check-Up

This is a crucial first step to evaluate reproductive potential before moving forward with other decisions. Key assessments include:

  • Hormone testing, e.g.,
    • AMH for egg reserve
    • FSH, Estradiol, Testosterone,LH for ovarian or sperm function
  • Pelvic ultrasound to assess egg quantity
  • Semen analysis for sperm count, motility, and morphology
  • STI screening to ensure reproductive safety before freezing

These results help your fertility specialist recommend an appropriate timeline and method for fertility preservation based on your individual goals.

2. Oocyte Cryopreservation (Egg Freezing)

Ideal for individuals with ovaries who are planning gender-affirming care or simply wish to preserve egg quality for the future.

  • Involves hormone stimulation over 10–12 days
  • Eggs are retrieved under mild sedation
  • Frozen using vitrification at -196°C to preserve quality

Preserving eggs at a younger age helps maintain higher biological quality, supporting future options for family-building.

3. Sperm Freezing

Sperm freezing is a suitable option for individuals who are planning to begin estrogen therapy or undergo gender-affirming procedures

  • Sperm is collected through ejaculation
  • Quality is assessed and then cryopreserved
  • Stored securely for years for future use in ICSI or IVF
  • Freezing sperm early ensures you retain reproductive options aligned with your life plan.

4. Specialist Fertility Consultation

Everyone’s path is different. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, planning hormone therapy or undergoing transition, consulting a reproductive specialist helps you:

  • Align fertility plans with your long-term goals
  • Understand any physical limitations or hormone effects
  • Receive respectful, inclusive, and individualized medical guidance

SAFE Fertility Group PCL: A SAFE Space for Every Identity

At SAFE Fertility Group, we recognize that every family journey is unique—especially for our LGBTQ+ community. That’s why we provide:

  • Confidential and personalized care
  • Equal and respectful treatment for all identities

We are proud to be a trusted partner and SAFE space where you can start planning your future family—on your own terms.

SAFE Fertility Group PCL proudly serves the international LGBTQ+ community—whether you are an expat living in Thailand or a fly-in patient seeking high-quality fertility care abroad. Our nationwide network includes locations tailored to your needs: Gaysorn Amarin in central Bangkok, Ramintra near Suvarnabhumi Airport, Khon Kaen for easy access from neighboring countries, and Phuket—Thailand’s premier fertility and medical tourism destination, offering a relaxing environment ideal for stress-free treatment. Sriracha also provides convenient access near the coast just outside Bangkok. With over 18 years of experience and internationally accredited care, we are here to support your journey with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

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