Outcomes of oocyte vitrification in trans masculine individuals

• Published in: Reproductive biomedicine online 2023-07, Vol.47 (1), p.94-101
• Main Authors: Asseler, Joyce D, Knieriem, Julie, Huirne, Judith AF, Goddijn, Mariette, Verhoeven, Marieke O, van Mello, Norah M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cryopreservation; Cryopreservation - methods; fertility preservation; Fertility Preservation - methods; OHSS; Oocyte Retrieval; oocyte vitrification; Oocytes - physiology; Retrospective Studies; Testosterone - therapeutic use; Vitrification
• ISSN: 1472-6483; 1472-6491
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.03.007

•Trans masculine individuals show a normal response to ovarian stimulation.•Prior testosterone use does not negatively impact oocyte vitrification outcomes.•Hormone injections were identified as the most burdensome part of treatment.•Even though treatment was burdensome, patients were satisfied with the outcomes. What are the outcomes and experiences of oocyte vitrification treatment in trans masculine individuals (TMI) before and after testosterone use? This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands between January 2017 and June 2021. The TMI who had completed an oocyte vitrification treatment were consecutively approached for participation. Informed consent was provided by 24 individuals. Participants (n = 7) who initiated testosterone therapy were advised to stop 3 months before stimulation. Demographic characteristics and oocyte vitrification treatment data were retrieved from medical records. Evaluation of the treatment was collected via an online questionnaire. The median age of participants was 22.3 years (interquartile range 21.1–26.0) and mean body mass index was 23.0 kg/m2 (SD 3.2). After ovarian hyperstimulation, a mean of 20 oocytes (SD 7) were retrieved and a mean of 17 oocytes (SD 6) could be vitrified. Aside from a lower cumulative FSH dose, there were no significant differences between the prior testosterone users and testosterone naïve TMI. The overall satisfaction of oocyte vitrification treatment in participants was high. Hormone injections were considered the most strenuous part of treatment by 29% of participants, closely followed by oocyte retrieval (25%). No difference in response to ovarian stimulation was found for oocyte vitrification treatment between the prior testosterone users and testosterone naïve TMI. The questionnaire identified hormone injections as the most burdensome aspect of oocyte vitrification treatment. This information can be used to improve gender sensitive fertility counselling and fertility treatment strategies.