Trans woman & cis woman
One of the partners can carry a child. If the trans woman has her own sperm frozen before transition, it can be used. Otherwise, sperm donation is an option.
Fertility & transgender.
Your path to a family of your own: the Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger is a safe place for trans* and non-binary people who wish to have children.
A safe place
You are welcome here
The wish for a child of your own is deeply human – and it does not stop at gender identity. More and more trans* and non-binary people want to fulfil their wish for a child: before, during or after their transition. We accompany you with empathy, medical care at the highest level and the respect you deserve. The rainbow flag does not hang here as decoration – it stands for an attitude: the wish for a child is for everyone.
As one of the most tradition-rich fertility centres in Austria – one of the first Austrian IVF babies was born here in 1982 – we have accompanied thousands of people on the way to their much-wanted child. For many years this has also included same-sex couples and trans* people. We know that visiting a fertility clinic is often linked, for trans* people, to the worry of having to explain or justify themselves. That is not necessary here: you will be addressed by your chosen name and your pronouns – in an open and discrimination-free atmosphere.
"A topic particularly close to our hearts is enabling trans* people to preserve their fertility – and later opening the path to their own much-wanted child."
Fertility preservation
Fertility preservation before transition – the most important decision
Gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgical procedures can permanently limit fertility or end it irreversibly. That is why fertility preservation through cryopreservation is the decisive step if the option of a genetically own child is to remain open later on. The best time is always before starting hormones – ideally as early as possible. But even if you are already taking hormones, a consultation is worthwhile: often more can still be achieved than many people think.
For trans women (AMAB): freezing sperm
Before starting feminising hormone therapy or before surgery, sperm can be frozen and safely stored for many years. Providing a sperm sample is a simple, non-invasive step. The preserved sperm is later available for insemination or assisted fertilisation (IVF/ICSI) – for example, to have a child together with a partner.
For trans men (AFAB): freezing eggs
Before starting masculinising hormone therapy (testosterone), eggs can be retrieved and frozen (egg vitrification). As with classic IVF, this requires a short hormonal stimulation and a gentle egg retrieval. We know that this process can be emotionally challenging for trans men, and we make it as short, transparent and dignified as possible. The frozen eggs can later be fertilised – carried by a partner or, if desired and medically possible, by the trans man himself after a pause in hormone therapy.
For non-binary and young people
We also meet non-binary people exactly where they are. Especially for young people planning a transition, early information about fertility preservation is particularly important – so that the option of a later child of their own can be consciously kept open or let go. Always as a self-determined decision.
After transition
Fertility after transition – which paths are there?
Whether with your own frozen gametes or with the help of sperm or egg donation – after transition, several paths lead to a much-wanted child. Which one suits you depends on your personal situation, your relationship constellation and the legal framework in Austria. This is exactly what we clarify together in a detailed first consultation.
Constellations
All constellations at a glance.
Families are diverse. This overview is a first point of orientation – it does not replace your individual consultation.
Trans woman & cis man
Preserved sperm of the trans woman can be used together with donated eggs or – depending on the situation – other paths of family building. Since a pregnancy has to be carried and surrogacy is not permitted in Austria, we discuss the realistic options openly and honestly.
Trans man & cis woman
Eggs of the trans man frozen before transition can be used. If the trans man carries a pregnancy himself, a pause in testosterone therapy is usually required. If that is not desired, we look into further options.
Trans man & cis man
Here the focus is on the trans man's eggs or egg donation, as well as the question of who carries the pregnancy. We show transparently what is possible within Austrian law and where the limits lie.
Two trans partners
If both partners are trans, we combine the available options – frozen eggs, frozen sperm, donation – individually. Here too: we plan the best possible path together with you.
Single trans* people
Fertility preservation is open to everyone. For treatment aiming at a pregnancy, however, Austrian law requires a marriage or a marriage-like cohabiting relationship (as of 2026) – we are happy to advise you personally on this.
Legal framework
What is legally possible in Austria?
The Reproductive Medicine Act
Medically assisted reproduction in Austria is governed by the Reproductive Medicine Act (FMedG), in force since 1992 and fundamentally modernised in 2015. Treatment is only permitted within a marriage or a marriage-like cohabiting relationship and with written consent; for unmarried couples, a notarial deed (or a court record) is additionally required.
Since the 2015 amendment, female same-sex couples can also access IVF with donor sperm, and egg donation has been permitted since then as well. This opens up new paths for many queer families – including those with a trans* parent (as of 2026).
Recognition and limits
In Austria, legal gender (civil status entry) and first name can be changed without surgery or sterilisation since 2018; since 2019/2020, entries such as "diverse", "inter" or "open" have been possible in addition to "female" and "male" (as of 2026). Your legal gender identity is therefore independent of your fertility.
Surrogacy is prohibited in Austria. For constellations in which none of the people involved can carry a pregnancy, we openly discuss which legal options exist – where appropriate also in cooperation with partner institutes abroad. Because legal questions about parenthood after a change of civil status can be complex, we clarify your individual situation carefully and refer you to specialised counselling services where needed. You can find an overview on our page about the legal framework.
Why WIF
Why the Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger?
- Experience that counts: more than 40 years of experience in reproductive medicine and pioneer status in Austria.
- Everything under one roof: our own in-house sperm and egg bank as well as cooperations with the most renowned European banks.
- A comprehensive offer: fertility preservation, counselling and treatment for trans* and non-binary people in every constellation – within the legal framework and individually planned.
- A safe space: discrimination-free care, respectful address, visibly lived diversity. The LGBTQ flag hangs in our institute.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about fertility and transgender.
Am I welcome at the Wunschbaby Institut as a trans* person?
Yes, expressly. For many years we have also accompanied same-sex couples and trans* people on the way to their much-wanted child. You do not have to explain or justify yourself here: you will be addressed by your chosen name and your pronouns, in an open and discrimination-free atmosphere.
When is the best time for fertility preservation?
The best time is always before starting gender-affirming hormone therapy – ideally as early as possible. Hormone therapy and surgical procedures can permanently limit fertility or end it irreversibly. But even if you are already taking hormones, a consultation is worthwhile: often more can still be achieved than many people think.
How does sperm freezing work for trans women?
How does egg freezing work for trans men?
Before starting testosterone therapy, eggs can be retrieved and frozen (egg vitrification). As with classic IVF, this requires a short hormonal stimulation and a gentle egg retrieval. We know that this process can be emotionally challenging, and we make it as short, transparent and dignified as possible.
Can a trans man become pregnant himself?
If the trans man carries a pregnancy himself, a pause in testosterone therapy is usually required – provided this is desired and medically possible. Whether this path is an option for you is something we clarify together in a personal consultation. If carrying a pregnancy is not desired, we look into further options.
I am already taking hormones – is it too late for fertility preservation?
Not necessarily. The ideal time is before starting hormone therapy, but a consultation is worthwhile afterwards as well: often more can still be achieved than many people think. We look at your individual situation and tell you openly which options are realistic.
Which legal requirements apply in Austria?
The Reproductive Medicine Act permits treatment only within a marriage or a marriage-like cohabiting relationship and with written consent; for unmarried couples, a notarial deed (or a court record) is additionally required. Surrogacy is prohibited in Austria (as of 2026). We discuss your individual constellation in the first consultation.
Can single trans* people receive treatment?
Fertility preservation – freezing sperm or eggs – is open to everyone. For treatment aiming at a pregnancy, however, Austrian law requires a marriage or a marriage-like cohabiting relationship (as of 2026). We are happy to advise you personally on this.
Your next step
Get to know us.
The most beautiful path begins with a first conversation. We warmly invite you to get to know us without obligation – at our free info evening or in a personal first consultation. Wherever you are on your journey: we look forward to accompanying you.
Or call us: +43 1 877 77 75