Knowledge, Practice Behaviors, and Perceived Barriers to Fertility Care Among Providers of Transgender Healthcare

Transgender individuals may experience impaired fertility due to gender-affirming hormonal interventions (e.g., pubertal suppression treatment and/or exogenous hormones). Clinical practice guidelines recommend providers discuss fertility implications and options for fertility preservation. The goal of this study was to examine fertility knowledge, practice behaviors, and perceived barriers to fertility care among multidisciplinary providers who care for transgender pediatric and/or adult patients. A 46-item survey was distributed to relevant listservs and at conferences with a focus on transgender health. Two hundred two providers completed the survey: (1) physicians (n = 87), (2) psychologists (n = 51), (3) Master (MA)-level mental health providers (n = 39), and (4) nonphysician healthcare providers, comprising advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, and physician assistants (n = 25). Overall knowledge was high (M = 3.64, SD = 1.61). Significant differences were identified in knowledge by provider type (p