Quain KM, Kyweluk MA, Sajwani A, Gruschow S, Finlayson C, Gordon EJ, Johnson EK, Persky R, Dowshen N, Chen D. J. Adolesc. Health 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine transgender adolescents and young adults' (AYA) and their parents' preferences regarding fertility preservation (FP) information provision and discussion timing.
METHODS: Data were derived from two separate studies: an online survey and semistructured qualitative interviews. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interview data using conventional content analysis.
RESULTS: Survey participants (AYA: 88% and parents: 93%) preferred gender clinic physicians provide FP information, and nearly one-third endorsed mental health professionals (AYA: 28% and parents: 26%) or fertility specialists (AYA: 23% and parents: 30%). Interview participants' FP discussion timing preferences ranged from the initial clinic visit, follow-up visits, before medical intervention, to mentioning FP early but deferring in-depth discussion to follow-up visits.
CONCLUSIONS: Gender clinic physicians, mental health professionals, and fertility specialists should be prepared to discuss FP with transgender AYA and their parents. Opinions varied regarding when to provide FP information; therefore, discussion timing may need to be individualized.