Abstract
Genital tucking is a behavioural practice facilitating gender expression by genitalia concealment. Genital tucking can be achieved by either pushing the testicles into the inguinal canal and/or securing the scrotum and penis between the legs towards the buttocks. Genital tucking has a negative impact on spermatogenesis, and therefore can result in a suboptimal sample and impaired sperm parameters. Fertility cryopreservation is recommended prior to hormone therapy or elective surgery, and therefore, the practice of genital tucking prior to fertility preservation could result in lesser quality and fewer samples being stored for future use. This case study presents a transwoman, aged 20–30, displaying severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia derived from genital tucking. The case discusses how the cessation of genital tucking resulted in improved semen parameters, and therefore improved the quality and quantity of samples stored for future use. Fundamentally, the case highlights the necessity for health professionals to broaden their understanding and awareness of genital tucking, the impact it has on fertility, and how to better advise patients prior to fertility cryopreservation.
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by RT. The first draft of the manuscript was written by RT and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Learning Points/Take Home Messages
• Genital tucking is the concealment of the penis and testes via the inguinal canal and pushing the scrotum and penis towards the buttock.
• This is a simple case of how behaviour practices, such as genital tucking, may lead to impaired semen quality in practicing individuals.
• A 3-month cessation and repeat semen analysis demonstrated the resumption of spermatogenesis and therefore an improved sample for cryopreservation (fertility preservation).
• The case highlighted the need for professionals to expand their awareness surrounding transgender care through continuing professional development, and therefore demonstrate this in practice.
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Turley, R., Potdar, N. A Case of Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Following Genital Tucking: Transgender Fertility Preservation. Reprod. Sci. 30, 2248–2251 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-023-01168-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-023-01168-1