Navigating Fertility Options for Transgender Individuals: A Guide to Sperm and Egg Freezing
- May 29
- 3 min read
Starting hormone therapy or surgery can be a major step in a transgender person's journey. Alongside these changes, many wonder about their future fertility and the options available to preserve it. Whether you are considering sperm or egg freezing before beginning medical treatments or simply want to understand your choices, this guide offers clear, practical information to help you make informed decisions. Working with trusted specialists can ease the process and ensure you find the right path for your unique needs.
Understanding Fertility Preservation for Transgender People
Fertility preservation involves saving sperm or eggs so they can be used later to have biological children. For transgender individuals, this often means taking action before starting hormone therapy or undergoing surgeries that may affect reproductive function.
Our partner Hull & East Riding Fertility offer NHS-funded and private pathways with no waiting list.
Below is the guidance provided by their clinic.
Fertility Preservation for Transgender Patients
At YGES, we would always urge patients to consider fertility preservation and do their own research into finding a service that best suits their individual needs.
Navigating fertility treatment as a transgender person can feel overwhelming, but we work alongside trusted specialists to help guide you towards the right options for you. We are pleased to signpost our patients to Hull & East Riding Fertility, a HFEA-registered clinic with a dedicated fertility preservation programme and experience of working with transgender patients.
Whether you are considering sperm or egg freezing before beginning hormone therapy or surgery, or simply want to understand your options, Hull & East Riding Fertility offer both NHS-funded and private pathways with no waiting list.
For more information or to make a referral, please visit hulleastridingfertility.co.uk
Why Consider Fertility Preservation?
Hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery can affect your future fertility. Preserving your eggs or sperm before beginning treatment means you keep your options open, giving you the freedom to consider having a biological family when the time feels right for you.
Hull & East Riding Fertility understand that delays to transition treatment can be distressing. Their team are experienced in supporting transgender patients sensitively and efficiently, and NHS funding is available to cover the cost of investigations, consultations and preservation — so cost need not be a barrier.
For Trans-Female Patients
Sperm freezing is a straightforward way to preserve your fertility ahead of transition. Your sample will be stored securely at the clinic, and the HFEA legally permits storage for up to 10 years initially, extendable up to a maximum of 55 years provided you remain in regular contact and renew your consent.
The clinic will discuss with you how you envisage using your sample in the future, as this determines the screening and consent process. It is advisable to keep your options open at this stage, as preferences and circumstances can change after transitioning.
For Trans-Male Patients
Egg freezing involves stimulating the ovaries so that eggs can be collected and cryopreserved. When you are ready to start a family, your frozen eggs can be thawed and used in fertility treatment. As with sperm storage, the HFEA permits storage for up to 10 years initially, extendable up to 55 years with regular consent renewal.
NHS Funding
Both NHS-funded and private fertility preservation are available at Hull & East Riding Fertility. NHS funding can cover the cost of initial investigations, consultations and the preservation procedure itself. There is currently no waiting list. Please contact the clinic directly to discuss your eligibility.
About Hull & East Riding Fertility
Hull & East Riding Fertility is a HFEA-registered clinic located at Hesslewood Office Park, near the Humber Bridge, easily accessible from across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The clinic has an active fertility preservation programme and has supported both trans-male and trans-female patients in preserving eggs, sperm and embryos for future use.
The team includes a dedicated Fertility Counsellor who will talk you through the implications of your treatment and support you throughout your journey.
This Information has been provided by Hull & East Riding Fertility
Tel: 01482 689040 enquiries@hullfertility.co.uk hulleastridingfertility.co.uk
Further Information & Support
The following organisations offer helpful information and support for transgender individuals:
HFEA (fertility regulation and patient information) — hfea.gov.uk
Gendered Intelligence — genderedintelligence.co.uk
Stonewall — stonewall.org.uk
GIRES — gires.org.uk
COTS (surrogacy information) — surrogacy.org.uk
Trans peer support, Hull — available via Hull & East Riding Fertility
Download here the Hull & East Riding Fertility Guide for Transgender Patients
Hull & East Riding Fertility have produced a helpful guide covering fertility preservation options for transgender patients.
Hull & East Riding Fertility
Hesslewood Office Park, Ferriby Road, Hessle, HU13 0JA Tel: 01482 689040 enquiries@hullfertility.co.uk hulleastridingfertility.co.uk
The Hull & East Riding Fertility are trusted partners of the Yorkshire Gender Endocrinology Service Ltd.
