When thinking about abortion, people often talk about it as if it were an exclusive issue for cisgender women, but trans men and other gender dissidents with the capacity to gestate are also part of the discussion. When including them, it is necessary to be informed about the differentiated treatment they deserve depending on the case.
At Aya Contigo we have reliable information about abortion and contraceptives for all people with gestational capacity.
Trans men and non-binary people with the capacity to gestate also have abortions, many in hiding and isolation.
The discriminatory experiences of transgender people seeking health services have been well documented in several studies, which note that transgender men are twice as likely as transgender women to postpone needed health care due to discrimination.
This is often because medical personnel are not trained to treat them in a way that respects their identities and the specific needs of their bodies, so it is very common for them to suffer discrimination and obstetric violence in health centers.
Testosterone is not a contraceptive
If you are on masculinizing hormone replacement therapy, that is, you are taking the hormone testosterone to produce male secondary sexual characteristics that match your gender identity, the first thing you should know is that testosterone has not been proven to play a contraceptive role.
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According to Healthline,"due to lack of research and variations in individual physiology, it is not yet entirely clear to what extent testosterone use as a method of pregnancy prevention is effective."
What has been documented is that transgender men can become pregnant after stopping testosterone.
Testosterone affects the ability to conceive while using it, because stops menstrual cycles and decreases the ability of the ovaries to produce estrogen, but there is still the possibility of pregnancy, especially in the early stages of hormone replacement therapy or if you have stopped treatment.
Therefore, if you have ovaries and uterus, and you have vaginal intercourse with someone who produces sperm, you should protect yourself with a contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy. Here we have a quiz for you, so you can choose one that suits your needs.
This applies even if you have irregular menses or no menses at all. Pregnancy is still possible until menopause or until your doctor tells you otherwise.
Contraceptives for transgender men
To prevent pregnancy, you can continue to use non-hormonal and barrier methods, such as condoms and diaphragms.
Contraceptive methods containing estrogen, such as combination pills, patches or the vaginal ring, are not recommended for trans men and non-binary people on testosterone treatment. This is because the estrogen hormone counteracts the masculinizing effects of testosterone.
The intrauterine devices (IUDs) recommended for trans men are the same as for anyone with a uterus. Copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs (such as levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs) are also viable options.
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The copper IUD does not contain hormones and may be a good option for those who prefer to avoid additional hormones. On the other hand, hormonal IUDs release a small amount of progestin, which can help reduce menstrual bleeding, something that may be beneficial for trans men seeking to minimize menstruation while on testosterone therapy.
Trans men can have abortions at home
Transgender men can have an abortion without having to go to health centers and without being judged or stigmatized, as the abortion can be self-managed at home. The studies support that mifepristone and misoprostol, which are the two pills used in medication abortion, are safe when you are in the process of hormone therapy.
"People who take testosterone for sex-reaffirming hormone treatment can use mifepristone and misoprostol for abortion and early pregnancy loss," a specialist told Teen Vogue. If you take other medications or have any health problems, talk to your doctor to find out if medication abortion is right for you.
At Aya Contigo we have doulas who can guide you through the process, step by step, from before you purchase the pills.
This way you can know how and when to take your pills and how many, and you will also have information on what to do in case you vomit and know which bleeding is expected and what the warning signs are. In addition, you can monitor your symptoms with our tracker.
It is your right to access voluntary termination of pregnancy free of discrimination and reproductive violence, you do not have to go through this process without help. At Aya Contigo we are here to accompany you.
Access the Aya Contigo app for safe, reliable and verifiable information on sexual health issues.
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