For transmasculine people who became pregnant, there may be higher miscarriage rates, though there’s very little evidence on postnatal depression rates.
This is according to a study – “Transmasculine pregnancy—Occurrence, associations, and outcomes: A quantitative systematic review” by Catherine Meads, Chelsea Daniels, Shawn Walker, and Susan Bewley – that was published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.
According to the researchers, little is known about transmasculine pregnancy. This led them to systematically review all published quantitative evidence on transmasculine pregnancy occurrence, associations, and outcomes, using midwifery, obstetric, and transgender health expertise.
Key findings included:
- evidence that a small but noteworthy minority of transmasculine people (trans, nonbinary, and other gender expansive people who were assigned female at birth) have pregnancies (6%–9%) and children (4%–9%), including after transition.
- testosterone use before pregnancy seemed to be associated with fewer conceptions compared with never having taken it, but it was insufficient to rely upon as contraception.
- Pregnancy loss seemed to be higher in those exposed to testosterone before or during pregnancy.
“This comprehensive work has shown important gaps in knowledge on transmasculine pregnancies. It demonstrates the need for more trans-specific research that could be done by academics and research bodies working together with transmasculine people with lived experience,” said corresponding author Meads.
“Transmasculine people can have contraceptive, abortion, pregnancy, maternity and gynecological needs, and must be treated with respect by health services.”
In the end, according to the researchers: “Reproductive and maternity services should adapt, although minimal information risks negative consequences for users and providers, potentially adding to a lack of trust. Better data collection and research are urgently required in order to provide effective services.”
