A series of 10 slides from a Prezi presentation are shown.
Slide 1. The title is “Pregnancy For Trans Men” by Chloé from TheMidwifeIsIn.tumblr.com. A light blue theme, with feather and dandelion tufts is used.
Slide 2: text reads: “Trans men are people who were designated female at birth, but identify as male regardless of their genitalia.”
Slide 3. Title: “How do trans men transition?” Underneath: “Many trans men will transition genders just by changing the way they dress, use pronouns, and interact with others. Some trans men will transition using testosterone, a hormone, to help change their physical appearance. Others have surgery to remove their breasts, ovaries, and uterus.”
Addition: “Some will have surgery to add a penis and testicles and close their vagina.”
Slide 4. Title: “Does using testosterone (T) prevent pregnancy?” Underneath: “Most people who use T to transition from female to male will no longer be fertile after they have used T for long enough that they stop having a period. It is assumed that this permanently affects the stored eggs making pregnancy difficult even if T were stopped.” Bold addition: “However people CAN become pregnant even while using T if they have unprotected penis-in-vagina sex therefore if you are not trying to become pregnant, use protection.”
Slide 5: Title: “ How trans man can become pregnant:” underneath as a bulleted list: “First, trans men should consult their endocrinologist, or the provider who is prescribing them T.
Next, they should stop taking T.
By the time their menstrual cycles return, they should be ready to begin trying to conceive.
If their partner does not produce sperm, they will need to find a sperm donor, and a provider to administer intra-vaginal or intra-uterine insemination.”
Slide 6. Title: “ If I stop taking T will I go back to looking like a woman?” Underneath: “ Nope. When testosterone is used for trans men to transition, it affects their biology in very specific ways. For example, T will deepen the trans man’s voice through thickening the vocal chords. This is not reversible. T will also encourage the growth of hair follicles in the face, causing facial hair, and this is also not reversible. Even if you stop taking T, these things will stay the same.
The change in body composition (where fat is distributed to) is reversible. This may change after you stop taking T. Acne caused by T will dissipate. Libido may decrease in breast size may increase.”
Slide 7. Title: “ What about breast-feeding?” Underneath: “ Afterbirth, trans men can breastfeed without worry. If they have had top surgery ( the removal of breasts), it may be difficult to produce enough milk to feed the baby. In that situation, herbs and medications can be used to increase milk production, and an at-breast supplementor can provide enough milk for the baby while supporting and encouraging the breast-feeding relationship. [In italics] Continuing to use T during this time period is not suggested, as it may interfere with the supply and be transmitted through the milk to the baby.[end italics]” [A drawn image of a breast milk supplementor is shown. A string holds an upside down bottle like a necklace around the parent’s neck. From the mouth of the bottle, a tube runs and is taped with its end on the parent’s nipple. The baby is sucking on the nipple, and the tube.]
Slide 8. Title: “What is it like to be a pregnant man?” Underneath: “ I don’t know. I’ve never carried to term, and I’m a cis woman, so I cannot begin to understand what it is like for men to become pregnant. However, there are resources online. My favorite blog is:
the blog of a trans man who gave birth to his son and has been breast-feeding him ever since.”
Slide 9. Title: “Will my provider respect my decision?” Underneath: “All healthcare providers are different in the way they interact with their patients and understand their patients life histories. If you don’t have a provider you trust, try interviewing a few different ones as you start this process. Here are a few questions you can ask: [as a bulleted list] ” have you had a transgender patient before?
Do you understand what transgender means?
How would you support me if I had a complication and needed to go to the hospital?
What are your C-section, epidural, epistotomy, and successful breast-feeding rates?
Have you worked with the a doula before?
I would not like to have unnecessary vaginal exams how will you help me achieve that goal?
How will you explain my situation to your staff members? Can I expect to be called by a preferred name and pronouns when I enter your clinic?“
[Addition in bold] “Have more questions? Visit: themidwifeisin.Tumblr.com”
