---
title: "What to Know About Birth Control If You're Transmasculine"
date: 2025-01-24T13:57:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-to-know-about-birth-control-if-youre-transmasculine"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# What to Know About Birth Control If You're Transmasculine

In this article from "SELF" magazine, Lane Gillespie provides guidance around birth control for trans men, transmasculine people, and nonbinary people. Following the overturning of Roe, Gillepsie recognized first-hand the need for access to contraception for trans men. Transmasculine people can experience stigma and the effects of gender dysphoria in health care. So, this article focuses on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and permanent contraception (sterilization).

For the article, Gillespie spoke with Holly Cummings, MD, MPH who specializes in transgender gynecological care, Mary Jane Minkin, MD who is on the SELF medical review board and a clinical professor of gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale, and a doctor who is a trans man and requested to be anonymous.

Trans men, transmasculine people, and nonbinary people need to know that being on testosterone doesn’t prevent pregnancy. We can still ovulate while on testosterone, so we need birth control. Hormonal birth control won’t affect testosterone. We can choose our birth control options based on our needs and what works best for our bodies.

To find a trans-friendly doctor, talk to friends, visit LGBTQ resource groups, or inquire on social media. Other resources include TransHealth, The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, and the National Center for Transgender Equality.

> Remember that you are your best advocate, even though it shouldn’t be up to you as an individual to fight for your care. Not every trans person has the ability to safely come out or talk frankly about what they need, but if you’re able, creating an open dialogue with your provider can be the best way that you access vital health care. Reproductive care and access to contraception are important for everyone, regardless of their future family planning goals, and it can be especially important—physically and mentally—for trans people who want to reduce gender dysphoria and experience the bodily autonomy and dignity we all deserve.

[Read the full article ](https://www.self.com/story/trans-men-birth-control-options)

SOURCE: Self Magazine • AUTHOR: Lane Gillespie • LAST UPDATED: September 29, 2022

![A yellow background with two copper IUDs](data:image/png;base64,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) Beate Panosch/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception)
- [ nonbinary & trans-inclusive abortion & contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/nonbinary-trans-inclusive-abortion-birth-control)
- [long acting reversible contraception (LARC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/long-acting-reversible-contraception-larc)
- [sterilization](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sterilization)
- [trans](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trans)
- [trans healthcare](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trans-healthcare)
- [fertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/fertility)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Using Birth Control as a Trans or Nonbinary Person

Suzannah Weiss, a certified sex educator and sex/love coach, offers facts and advice for trans and nonbinary people about using birth control.

![A blue table with a stack on birth control items including internal and external condoms, the implant, a copper IUD, the ring, a vial for injection, and different pills](data:image/png;base64,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)

Suzannah Weiss, a certified sex educator and sex/love coach, offers facts and advice for trans and nonbinary people about using birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/using-birth-control-as-a-trans-or-nonbinary-person)

[ResourcesRead

## Emergency Contraception for Transgender and Nonbinary Patients

This fact sheet is for both trans and nonbinary folks and allies; it addresses when, how, and if trans and nonbinary people can use emergency contraceptives.

![A blue background with a few packs of individual white emergency contraceptive pills.](data:image/png;base64,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)

This fact sheet is for both trans and nonbinary folks and allies; it addresses when, how, and if trans and nonbinary people can use emergency contraceptives.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/emergency-contraception-for-transgender-patients)

[ResourcesRead

## Trans and Non-Binary People Get Abortions, Too

This article details the additional barriers trans and gender-nonconforming populations face when they become pregnant and offers advice on how to make abortion access more inclusive.

![50005480447_7fdab5981e_c](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article details the additional barriers trans and gender-nonconforming populations face when they become pregnant and offers advice on how to make abortion access more inclusive.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/trans-and-non-binary-people-get-abortions-too)

[ResourcesRead

## Roe Is Gone. What Happens for Trans Men?

It's not just a theoretical concern that trans men need abortion justice. It is a lived reality.

![Protest in Washington, D.C. in support of abortion rights. Close up on a protest sign. A blue trimmed sign says "Protect Abortion Access”.](data:image/png;base64,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)

It's not just a theoretical concern that trans men need abortion justice. It is a lived reality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/roe-is-gone-what-happens-for-trans-men)

[ResourcesRead

## Finding an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Long-Term Care Community

A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.

![Georg arthur pflueger elder care unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A guide for people seeking inclusive long-term care for LGBTQ+ elders.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-guide-to-finding-an-lgbtqia-inclusive-long-term-care-community)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,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)

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Coping With Mental Health Issues Before Transitioning

MB explains how her mental health has improved since her transition and how her mental health conditions were connected to gender dysphoria.

![My Story- Coping With Mental Health Issues Before Transitioning](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how her mental health has improved since her transition and how her mental health conditions were connected to gender dysphoria.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-mental-health-issues-before-transitioning)

[ResourcesRead

## To Survive on This Shore: The Experiences of Older Trans and Gender Nonconforming People

Photographs and interviews by Jess Dugan and Vanessa Fabbre portray the joyful and difficult lived experiences of older transgender adults in the U.S.

![A lighter-skinned Black woman sits on a red couch in red pants and a white tank top](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFEElEQVRIiV1WQZIjuQ3MBEGpZ2d98V598P8/sS/Yo19gh2M9s57p6W5JVUUC6QNJSesKRqmiJCGZiQRA/uO3X7Eujg8BECRISilTGZmpiFyXMiUJAMdltGLFzApLMStmRjOQPn4GkIAAQhNDC2m8eXw83tzfiiAkQQA1fiRIBDwlrv9xxSQESRJS87o/YHLT2tr4tybjTBIJgmSS9Ix41uehkpZKGoKkUlOczCcACWQi1/4MkGCa6nlvfQS+A/wfhpRYodd9MbrnjqLmShWTMgkaCW+tzY1zROfiIerO/Wn7C+GJxNAjYUYaLWkkbTI4jp0rySAI8k88pgxTlrtWMyfQTDjBuYZ5yBnJj23Hc+jxzWQDLtfeczhTPm06MRaPPyENYN+2bUq/Qtt8GHgPDAhPZnpCG99oOZrQ4g/Ct+t1qXivGdp6mDDPdhw4+QCYqkn5QJr5F+C3y/VRjyP6qEKj0RbSStIoMz10evZWPOdn2gN+vVzuACN6MbN7sY9rURlWX9Wh1TgiMiMjMiJGY4lpZcAv7+93fUbcUsq4j1uZELZAcE9FPuJGj96jj4eIiIzBxS9v7yRIM3IELKV4KaW4eykDYoIYV9JHBjIjMnpE761Hb7313lpvvfeIHtGl9MvbG4GhfCkzsLu7V3f34gNtKTcrfm0/I3qP3ntr7Tja0drR2t7a0doR0TLDL99fQRjNZuzq7rXWWk/u7rUOtIExdBqenfpEb6213o5jP47t2LfjuO37rbVbb1tE849v/yVpVqy41+r1VE+nfjr12urpVGtkreHh7oMDzSYDZUT0aK21duz7sR37bduu++1j397222vbf+8NfvnP76SZ11LPfj7X80s/v8T5nOfIHnnK7OG1pkfxSeLBIGKKc+zHvm2363Z9v11ft/d/bu/b/gP9G8rfv1/at/d4/RHtll3ZhwHHJtdouU+H5fzoESOtM/6+32779bp9vG0//n39cr3+C5cbrkD5G9mBntC16fUdIGC8tzuR4qyuXOYf1pnyt7a3Y9uP222/Xra377evf1y/4IK5fAMIFCCABPT1D3SnCmGUUUZwNuxQKUkjyJmD3ntvbT/a1trtaJe9vb4dX7ADG3AdAMcCGCPTgPL9VuonKyezZlYIgwwJpbIkzbhyMBza99631m6tXY729aMBDTiAHbgBHqstx2NFvEd8il7DShiD7BCUsKIHg8zovbfej973HlvER+SuHEqs5XhuloCAhOfOPJBN2TJKkAFRyQmABRDRW+97xJaxZV6QqEIbSjjwAnhZDGwivQAvoiupQHZFF5lEQqHQ6BaSRplFi9wjj8wN+jDgM/FqQAXOAAH3Fd0Aw8+Gz8QLzxVWBGZSobQMphIykWtUD7O2jEO5QweRTvxUcHG0uvRxx8+EGbygFlTDybzyU0VxsADMhAUSCYMoch6aMjN6Zss8pAY0A5x4MfzieBcuBgTgFX8FaKChFJTyye0n54uzOswAQswUoUytPiQlMjN7Zk8NgG6EG84FVnEi/lLQAuFePsNghVatVLNarBproRdYAU0ikikYJYjjPJZSZEaqSR3qRA4AFhSgEi+GdMjLL2cAZjSjFbNiHE2tzNMrQAnE07QdUzikPqIDQcgIGFimg9IAQV5e6jhqzGm8xvGYx6DdB8A0do7tSzGiCwEkAaIYg4TZfXpDzmrPQ38cykY1rUMLV78DE0ohhby3JqyeSBqZomBP5/L/ATe7SNMnwnKCAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

Photographs and interviews by Jess Dugan and Vanessa Fabbre portray the joyful and difficult lived experiences of older transgender adults in the U.S.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/experiences-older-trans-gnc-people)