So my friend asked me an interesting question and I tried to research it but I didn't really get the information I was looking for. My question is how long until irreversible changes start to happen? Specifically she wanted to know how long it takes on hormones generally to become sterile and she also was curious if I stopped whether or not my normal erections would come back just as strong? She is totally accepting of me transitioning but I would like to figure these questions out if possible, I really appreciate everything from everyone!

<3 Emma

The general opinion is that from about 6 months onwards you become permanently sterile.  Anything before could be reversible.  However depends on the individual.  From what I've experienced the erections come back if testosterone levels increase again, as does the sex drive.

I think its like 6 months or so when it can happen, but then there have been some that didn't become sterile until an orchi or srs. And for some I imagine if they were to stop hormones after 6 months, it would be possible for them to regain some, maybe all of the lost ability. A lot of variance really.

My only experience is that I was sterile to start with, so it was never a worry or determining factor in any decisions.

Could it happen sooner then 6 months or is it unlikely? I should probably save sperm to be safe just in case I suppose. Also what are signs of becoming sterile or signs of irreversible changes in that aspect?

Quote from: EmmaS on January 26, 2013, 07:46:12 PM
Could it happen sooner then 6 months or is it unlikely? I should probably save sperm to be safe just in case I suppose. Also what are signs of becoming sterile or signs of irreversible changes in that aspect?

If you are wanting to bank, its best to try to do it before you take any hrt or anti-androgens so that you get strong little critters, otherwise, it might not be worth the investment.

Well it's sort of too late for that, so hypothetically if I wanted to make it a good investment, I would have to stop hormones.......for how long until it's back to full strength before resuming? Apparently I didn't think this through in that aspect, the fertility issue didn't really hit for the longest time

Quote from: EmmaS on January 26, 2013, 07:54:56 PM
Well it's sort of too late for that, so hypothetically if I wanted to make it a good investment, I would have to stop hormones.......for how long until it's back to full strength before resuming? Apparently I didn't think this through in that aspect, the fertility issue didn't really hit for the longest time

That would depend on a number of things and would likely take a few tests to determine, I think it would be best to consult a doctor about that.

Fertility could come back even after a long time of HRT. It could also be gone forever after a suprisingly short while. But yes. Normally, 6 months is what is said to be the line after which you shouldn't expect fertility to come back.

It's very variable, and I don't think you can ever know for sure. Personally, I've given up on having biological children long ago. I couldn't stand the thought of technically fathering a child. Besides, my genes aren't exactly something I want to transmit. Finally, even if I really wanted biological children, would it be worth the pain in the butt and costs that sperm banking and in-vitro fecondation imply? For me, no.

Your answer might be very different, but if I were you, I'd just raise my shoulders and tell myself that adopted children are my children just as much as biological children. Besides, if you're going to be with a woman, you could very well do like so many lesbian couples who resort to strangers' sperm and just not be the bearing mother. Wouldn't make you less of a mother.

Okay that makes a lot of sense for sure, thank you. What about the function of getting erections, since that has diminished greatly, thankfully in my opinion, but if I did stop hormones for a short period would those strong erections come back? I've been on hormones for 3.5 months.

Most likely, but I can't say for sure. You're taking spiro, which has less of a drastic and quick effect than the cyproterone I take, so it's likely that they'll come back, I think. But you never know.

Quote from: EmmaS on January 26, 2013, 08:50:04 PM
Okay that makes a lot of sense for sure, thank you. What about the function of getting erections, since that has diminished greatly, thankfully in my opinion, but if I did stop hormones for a short period would those strong erections come back? I've been on hormones for 3.5 months.

In  my experience yes they come back with vengeance!  I miscalculated how much medication I had by a week, and I was in the middle of the Atlantic, and my spiro and HRT was in Southampton waiting for the ship to return I rationed the amount I had, but things returned to functioning surprisingly fast, very uncomfortable week!