Pregnancy & Birth Control

Whether you want to get pregnant or not, here’s some clear info to help you make the best choices for your body and your life.

Getting Pregnant

Planning to have a baby? You might think about:

• Freezing your eggs for later use, especially if you plan to have a hysterectomy
  
• Stopping testosterone and trying to conceive, either by sex or in vitro fertilization
  
• Using a surrogate (in Canada, surrogacy is legal but has some rules, so do your research)
  

For more support,speak to your healthcare provider and visit the Association of Ontario Midwives.  

Preventing Pregnancy

Testosterone is not birth control. If you still have a uterus, you can get pregnant. Condoms and lubricant (lube) the right way each time you have sex helps to prevent STBBIs as well as pregnancy. Here are two other popular options:

The Pill, Patch, or Ring

These contain hormones that stop eggs from leaving your ovaries. Some have estrogen, and some have only progesterone. Neither type changes how testosterone works. You can take testosterone and use these methods safely.

• Pros:
  
  • Easy to start and stop
    
  • Can make periods lighter or stop them
    
• Cons:
  
  • You must remember to change or take them on time
    
  • Side effects like spotting or chest soreness usually go away in a few months
    
  • Some pills can mix with other meds, so check with your doctor
    

IUDs (Intrauterine Devices)

An IUD is a small T-shaped device placed in your uterus through the front hole.

• Hormonal IUDs release a bit of progesterone to prevent pregnancy and often stop periods. They do not affect testosterone’s effects.
  
• Copper IUDs have no hormones. They also work as emergency birth control. Some people get more cramps or heavier bleeding at first.
  
• Pros:
  
  • Lasts 3–5 years (hormonal) or 3–10 years (copper)
    
  • No daily or monthly steps once it’s in place
    
• Cons:
  
  • Needs a trained provider to insert and remove it
    
  • Possible pain during insertion, spotting, or heavier cramps with copper IUDs
    

Ending a Pregnancy

If you need to end a pregnancy, you have two main options:

• Medication abortion: You take pills that end the pregnancy.
  
• Surgical abortion: A procedure done by a doctor.
  

Both methods are available, and talk with your health care provider to pick the best choice for you.

To find places in Canada that offer birth control and abortion services, visit: 

• Rainbow Health Ontario
• Sexual Health Ontario 
• Planned Parenthood 
• New resource: People seeking abortion care (2025 CMA)
• or call your local sexual health clinic.

Stay informed, talk with your provider about what fits your life, and remember you deserve care that respects who you are.