Testosterone is not birth control, and ovulation and implantation can still occur even in folks who are amenorrheic. This means that even if you no longer experience periods, whether for a couple of months or several years, and you still have a uterus and ovaries, there is still a possibility of becoming pregnant if you engage in the kinds of sex that can result in a pregnancy: unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse with someone who produces sperm if you are a person who produces an egg. If you are a person who would not like to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy, birth control and emergency contraception are things that you should consider as an important aspect of sexual health. 

There are hormonal birth control options that are effective at a low dose, and will not conflict with the effects of T or reverse changes from T. Some of these options include:

• Estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone only birth control pills
• Patch
• Vaginal Ring
• Hormonal IUD
• Implant
• Shot

These methods offer protection when they’re used correctly, and in compliance with their medication schedule. If you have an IUD or an implant, you should periodically check that it is still in place. They can become ineffective if you miss doses or the device migrates or fails.

If you are nervous or feel unsure about using a hormonal birth control method, there are non-hormonal options available, including:

• Condoms (often available for free at community health organizations)
• Other barrier methods, such as cervical caps, diaphragms, and sponges
• Copper IUD
• Spermicidal Lubricants/ Gels

While these methods offer protection when they’re used correctly, they can become ineffective or less effective if they become damaged or expired. 

If there is a risk of pregnancy, emergency contraception, commonly known as Plan B, is still available. Some notes about emergency contraception:

• Insertion of an IUD within 5 days can serve as emergency contraception in some cases–consult with your sexual/reproductive healthcare provider to find out if this is an option for you.
• If you are not able to purchase emergency contraception in-person in your community for any reason, Plan B and its more affordable generics, all containing Levonorgestrel, are available at a lower cost via Amazon and other online retailers, or may be available through local mutual aid groups or community health organizations.
• Plan B and its generics are dosed for those who are under 165 pounds, and ella is dosed for people under 195 pounds. If you are above those weights, these medications may be slightly less effective for you. For more information, consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Reproductive Access–Birth Control Across the Gender Spectrum

Planned Parenthood–What’s the Weight Limit for Plan B?

Planned Parenthood–What’s the Plan B Morning-After Pill?

Planned Parenthood–What’s the Ella Morning-After Pill?

Planned Parenthood–How Do IUDs Work as Emergency Contraception

Planned Parenthood–The First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill is Here: What You Need to Know (about OPill)

Planned Parenthood–I’m Trans, Does Birth Control Affect HRT treatment?

Planned Parenthood–Birth Control Pill

Planned Parenthood–Condoms

Planned Parenthood–Birth Control Implants

Planned Parenthood–IUD Birth Control

Planned Parenthood–Birth Control Shot

Planned Parenthood–Spermicide and Contraceptive Gel

Planned Parenthood–Internal Condoms

Planned Parenthood–Diaphragm

Planned Parenthood–Birth Control Sponge

Planned Parenthood–Birth Control Ring

Planned Parenthood–Cervical Cap

Planned Parenthood–Birth Control Patch

Disclaimer: Information that is listed on this page should not be considered an endorsement for particular physicians nor medical advice.

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