Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation in the Setting of Gender-Affirming Therapy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Apr 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to help individuals in the gender-diverse community preserve their fertility before starting gender-affirming treatments. The researchers want to find better ways to process and freeze testicular tissue, check for the presence of sperm precursors in that tissue, and explore new treatments for infertility. By doing this, they hope to support those who may wish to have biological children in the future.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be assigned male at birth and diagnosed with gender dysphoria. They should be over 9 years old and either currently on or planning to start hormone treatments. Some participants may also be preparing for gender-affirming surgery that involves the removal of the testes, but they must be at least 18 years old. The trial is currently recruiting, and those who participate can expect a careful process to collect and preserve their testicular tissue, helping to ensure their options for future fertility are available. It’s important to note that individuals with certain psychological conditions or serious medical issues may not be eligible to participate.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Category 1 participants must have all criteria listed below:
• • Patient with testes over the age of 9
• • Diagnosed with gender dysphoria; currently on or imminently planning to start gender affirming treatment (hormone blockers or gender-affirming hormones)
• • Have a clinical referral for fertility preservation from their primary care physician
• • Unwilling to undergo natal puberty or, for patients who have gone through puberty, unwilling to discontinue hormone suppression and/or hormone replacement therapy.
• Category 2 participants only fall into this category if they are undergoing gender-affirming surgery. They must have all criteria listed below:
• • Patient is 18+ years old
• • Diagnosed with gender dysphoria
• • Unwilling to undergo natal puberty, or for patients who have gone through puberty, be unwilling to discontinue hormone suppression and/or sex steroid (estrogen) therapy.
• • Will be undergoing gender affirming surgery that involves removal of the testes.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosed with psychological, psychiatric, or other conditions which prevent giving fully informed consent.
• • Diagnosed with an underlying medical condition that significantly increases their risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery.