Pregnancy via abdominal cavity

The bottom line

With our understanding constantly evolving, it’s important to honor the fact that one’s gender doesn’t determine whether they can become pregnant. Many men have had children of their own, and many more will likely do so in the future.

It’s crucial not to subject those who do become pregnant to discrimination, and instead find ways to offer safe and supportive environments for them to build their own families.

Likewise, it seems feasible that uterus transplants and other emerging technologies will make it possible for AMAB individuals to carry and give birth to children of their own. The best thing we can do is to support and care for all people who choose to become pregnant, regardless of their gender and the sex they were assigned at birth.

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KC Clements is a queer, nonbinary writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Their work deals with queer and trans identity, sex and sexuality, health and wellness from a body positive standpoint, and much more. You can keep up with them by visiting their website, or by finding them on Instagram and Twitter.

He was famous for being 'the pregnant man.' Here's where Thomas Beatie is now

It's been 13 years since Thomas Beatie sat down for his first TV interview and told Oprah — and the world — how he could possibly be pregnant, as a man.

Today, the concept of a transgender man giving birth is hardly novel, although research, education and awareness are still severely lacking. But society has come a long way, and so has Beatie. The father of four, now a stockbroker in Phoenix, spoke to TODAY Health about how he thinks the trans community benefited from the media attention his pregnancy garnered, and how he and his family are doing today.

"When my story came out, there wasn't a single person in the public eye as a transgender man — most people had never heard of it," Beatie, 47, said. "It was a first exposure for a lot of people. And then on top of that, they can give birth! I think exposing the importance of fertility for trans people was a huge eye-opener."

In 2008, after he wrote an essay for The Advocate about his pregnancy — a piece he wrote, he said, because he was desperately seeking advice from anyone who had been in his shoes, and fearful that his daughter would be taken away by authorities — Beatie's story spread around the world. Photos of Beatie cradling his stomach — a bare, enlarged, pregnant stomach — went viral. Requests for TV and magazine interviews rushed in. He wrote a book about his experience titled “Labor of Love,” became the subject of multiple TV specials and even went on to star in a French reality show.

"Everything was a whirlwind," he said. "But I still don't regret it."

After having his first child, Susan, in 2008, Beatie went on to give birth to two more children with his then-wife, Nancy Beatie. The couple separated in 2012, and in 2016 Beatie married his second wife, Amber, who worked at the daycare his children attended. They had a baby together in 2018, to whom Amber gave birth.

Today, Beatie and his family live a relatively quiet life in Phoenix, although Beatie occasionally takes on public-speaking jobs or small acting roles (maybe you saw him as an extra in a U-Haul commercial). His older children — now 11, 12 and 13 — split their time between his house and their mom’s house, about 10 miles away. When they’re all home, they swim together in their pool, play checkers and test out new recipes.

“We’re on this keto kick right now, so we’re trying to make cool dishes together,” Beatie said. “We’re going to make some healthy ice cream.”

Yet, more than a decade after his first pregnancy made national headlines, Beatie said he still hasn’t been able to fully shake the “pregnant man” moniker. 

“I thought I melted back into society, that I could just walk down the hall and be anonymous,” he said, referring to the halls of his financial office building. But soon enough, word got out about his public past, he said. Not that he minds, exactly.

"I don't see anything wrong with being a pregnant man," Beatie said. "I was so proud to be a dad, and I'm still proud to be a dad. I'm so proud that I was the one to bring my kids into the world. It's kind of like a badge."

Mostly, he marvels at how much the world, while still very much flawed, has changed since his story was in the spotlight. This was a time before most people understood the concept of gender identity and what it means to be transgender, let alone etiquette for speaking to or about someone who’s part of the trans community. Beatie recalled being misgendered and “deadnamed” by the media and being the butt of talk show jokes. When Beatie sat down for an interview with Barbara Walters, the news icon referred to one of his maternity photos as a “disturbing image.” 

“It was really hard when my story came out,” Beatie said. “People were saying things on TV and in the media that if they came close to saying today, they would be immediately fired. I’m just in shock about how wild, Wild West it was back then.”

Despite the challenges of sharing his story and the fame it spawned, Beatie does not regret talking about his pregnancy experience publicly and said he hopes by doing so that he made things a bit easier for the trans men who came after him.  

“I wanted to make sure that for my family, and for other people, that this was going to be something that’s doable, that our laws would respect it,” Beatie said. “So I did feel an obligation to continue to fight. I wasn’t about to lay down and say, ‘All right, fine, call me a woman.’”

Yet he acknowledges that even if public perception of his personal experience has shifted, there is still plenty more work to be done to support trans people hoping to start families — more training among health care providers, equitable access to fertility treatments and parental leave, for starters.

“I think a lot of people are still pigeonholed, thinking that if you want to be transgender, you have to completely get rid of all your (reproductive) organs,” Beatie said. “There needs to be discussions about fertility, preservation. Being transgender, you shouldn’t have to lose your right of having a family. You’re entitled to be happy and have a family and be respected.”

This story originally appeared on TODAY. com

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WHERE DO CHILDREN COME?!

This section will talk about the role of a man in the birth of a child.

When a boy is born, he has sperm progenitor cells in his testicles. Until the end of puberty, these cells are not active, they seem to be sleeping. Progenitor cells are the most sensitive cells of the testis to damaging agents.

Many negative factors - alcohol, smoking, radiation, medication, disease - can easily damage them. nine0003

A man ejaculates between 5 and 15 ml of semen (tablespoon). Each milliliter of semen contains 20-60 million spermatozoa. During his life, a man releases an average of 20 liters of sperm. A teaspoon of semen contains 5 calories.
The average Russian man has sex 131 times a year.

According to the Efferetz doctrine, 5400 ejaculations are allowed for a man's life.
In the pubertal period, the process of spermatogenesis begins, i.e. the creation of mature spermatozoa (synonymous with sperm) - male germ cells. This process consists of three successive phases. Initially, progenitor cells begin to divide, creating a supply of cells. Each human cell contains 46 chromosomes, in which, with the help of genes, all the information about the body is recorded. Chromosomes are split into pairs. There are 22 pairs of normal chromosomes and one pair of so-called sex chromosomes, which determine the sex of the unborn child. The female sex chromosome is called the X chromosome, and the male sex chromosome is Y. Accordingly, the last, 23rd pair of chromosomes in a woman contains two X chromosomes (XX), and in a man - X and Y (XY). When a cell divides, each new cell must receive a complete set of chromosomes, i.e. in each new cell there is the same chromosome set as in the mother. This type of cell division is called mitosis. nine0009 If two such cells merged during fertilization, then a doubling of the human chromosome set would occur, that is, there would be 92 chromosomes. To prevent this, germ cells divide in a special way, which is called meiosis. In this division, each germ cell receives only half of the chromosome set. Disperse in different cells and sex chromosomes. In men, half of the germ cells contain a Y chromosome and half an X. In women, all cells contain only the X chromosome. nine0003

Then the male sex cells mature into spermatozoa. The cell is rearranged, its tail and head are formed (Fig. 1).

Sperm structure. A - head; B - neck; C - tail

Fig.1. The structure of the sperm. A - head; B - neck; C - tail.

After this transformation, the sperm is ready to travel in search of the egg. The process of sperm formation in humans is constant and takes 64 + 4 days. Their size reaches 70 microns. Due to the flagellum of the tail, the spermatozoon is able to move. The speed of its movement in humans is 30-50 microns / sec. nine0003

The male body produces millions of spermatozoa. Unfortunately, over the past decades, the number of sperm in the ejaculate has been steadily decreasing. So, if in 1940 113 million per 1 ml was considered the norm, then in 1990 this figure decreased to 66 million / ml and continues to fall.

During this time, the total amount of ejaculate also decreased. These data indicate a deterioration in the reproductive health of the male population, and perhaps also the feminization of men.

Spermatozoa are formed in the convoluted tubules of the testis, from which they enter the epididymis and further into the vas deferens (see "How boys are arranged"). All these formations are essentially tubules, the walls of which contain muscle fibers, due to the contraction of which the spermatozoa move forward. From the seminal vesicles, a secret is added to the spermatozoa, which is a yellowish, viscous liquid containing proteins and fructose. nine0003

Seminal vesicle fluid makes up the bulk of the ejaculate. Finally, the seminal fluid reaches the posterior urethra, where the secretion of the prostatic gland is added to it. Now the ejaculate is completely ready. In sperm, male germ cells make up only 5% of its total volume. The production of spermatozoa in the male body occurs continuously throughout life and until old age. During his life, a man on average releases about 20 liters of sperm.

During intercourse, during ejaculation, semen passes through the urethra and enters the vagina. Losing "comrades" along the way, the spermatozoa rush in search of the egg. The flagellum allows them to move. A few minutes after sexual intercourse, sperm reach the cervix, but most of them remain in the vagina and then are released. Spermatozoa that enter the cervix remain viable for several hours. In order for the spermatozoa to move on, the mucus of the cervical canal must acquire certain properties, which happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle. nine0003

The movement of spermatozoa inside the uterus to the place of fertilization takes from 2 to 7 hours. Of the millions and millions of spermatozoa that set off on the journey, only a few hundred reach the fallopian tubes. "Desperate", defective and defective sperm die along the way. Only the strongest and healthiest come to the final goal. In the fallopian tubes, spermatozoa hide and wait for ovulation to occur - the release of a mature female germ cell. In a viable state, spermatozoa can be in the genital tract of a woman from 24 to 48 hours. nine0003

Unlike the testicles of a boy, the ovaries of a girl already contain all the germ cells (oocytes) by the time of birth. Oocytes are therefore more susceptible to chromosomal abnormalities than spermatozoa. New germ cells are not formed in a woman's body during her life. By the time of birth, a girl's ovary contains approximately 2 million oocytes.
By the time of puberty, their number decreases to about 100 thousand and continues to decrease further throughout the entire reproductive period of a woman. During a woman's life, 300-350 ovulations occur in a woman's body, i.e., opportunities to conceive a child. nine0003

During ovulation, the egg releases special substances that attract sperm. As soon as the sperm reaches the egg, the membranes of the two cells fuse and form a single
cell.

But only one sperm can be lucky: immediately after fertilization, the membrane becomes impermeable to other sperm. The gate slammed shut.

We remember that each sex cell contains half the set of human chromosomes. Having merged, germ cells restore the proper number of chromosomes. The gender of the unborn child depends on which sperm containing the X or Y chromosome enters the egg. nine0003

After fertilization, the embryo is implanted in the wall of the uterus, where it continues to develop.

All. The pregnancy has come. Nothing else depends on the man.

September 24, 2014

10/20/2017

Back Forward

Where do babies come from? | RBC Life

Updated October 11, 2022, 10:49 AM

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Sex education should start from childhood. It is important for parents to convey information correctly in order to form a healthy attitude towards sex in a child, warn against mistakes and establish trusting relationships in the family. nine0003

RBC Life, together with psychologists, figured out how to talk to children about sexuality and childbirth.

Where do babies come from? When it's time to tell

When a child shows interest in letters, parents explain the alphabet to him and teach him to read, and do not take away books. The same should be with sexual education, experts say. If a child is interested in a topic, it is important to immediately give him comprehensive information and form an adequate understanding of his gender, sexuality, relationships between people. nine0003

Children who receive good sex education from adults become more confident, take better care of their health, start having sex later and are less at risk of sexualized violence. [1] [2]

It is necessary to answer the child's questions on the topic of sex, regardless of age, if:

• the child himself asks questions about conception, pregnancy and birth;
• younger children appeared in the family and close circle;
• the child witnessed the sex of the parents; nine0075
• the child saw frank information on the Internet, books;
• the child was a victim of sexual abuse (in this case, a consultation with a psychologist is required).

The appropriate age to talk about sex depends on the nature of the child. Some children actively explore their body and sensations, others show no interest. The average age for a conversation is six and a little later. Further 9–10 years, it is better not to postpone the conversation .

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How exactly to talk

General rules to talk about where babies come from:

1. Initiate the dialogue yourself .
2. Use examples to talk about sexual relations : life situations (for example, a child met a pregnant woman on the street), films, books, advertisements (a child saw a scene of a passionate kiss).
3. Do not rush to go into details , focus on the child's age and interest in the topic. The younger the child, the less information he needs. nine0075
4. Tell the truth . It is important for parents to forget about euphemisms and "childish" names of the genitals, not to tell fairy tales about storks and cabbage. It is necessary to simply, but in detail, without concealment and mitigation, explain to the child the bodily processes. In addition, the truth is respect for the child and the basis for a trusting relationship with him.
5. Don't forget your feelings . Talk about them and help your child figure out how he or she may feel, how you feel in relationships with the opposite sex. nine0075

Any question about sex education should be answered immediately. It should not contain fictions and fables, appeals to religion, mythology, esotericism, philosophy. Only specific knowledge of anatomy. See burning eyes and hear endless questions - tell us more, get additional books and initiate such conversations yourself. If the child is bored, then it’s not time yet, give the minimum information.

Lydia Parkhitko Psychologist, specialist in parent-child relations, author of the book How to Talk to Children about Sex

What happens to children at different ages

3-5 years

At this age, the child begins to be interested in how and what works in his body. When explaining any physiological processes to a parent, it is important to use the correct anatomical terms and not divide organs into “good” and “bad”, decent and indecent.

There is nothing wrong with our body, but there are parts of the body and processes that are considered intimate. At this age, it is not necessary to introduce the child to sex and tell the details. The task of parents is to form a healthy and careful attitude towards the body and the natural processes associated with the genitals. nine0003

When asked "Where do babies come from?" it will be enough for a child of 3-4 years old to say: “Mom has a special organ in her stomach - the uterus. In it, the baby develops and grows. It is then born through the vagina." If additional questions follow, just as simply, without unnecessary details, answer them.

Lyubov KlimovaSpecialist in sex education, author of the book Everything You Wanted to Know About Adolescence

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6-10 years old

Ages 6 to 10 are best for learning about sexuality. Information about conception, pregnancy and childbirth will be well absorbed by the child, so it is important for parents to give the right answers to questions before the Internet or friends do. nine0003

All children up to 8–9 years old should know exactly how their body will mature : girls about menstruation, boys about erections and wet dreams. Also, the child needs to be told about the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system: eggs in women and sperm in men. It is worth explaining that when the sex cells in the uterus are connected, the future baby begins to grow in a woman.

How did sex cells meet? During intimacy between a man and a woman. It's called "sex." Sex is engaged only in adults by mutual agreement for pleasure and the birth of children. Adults hug, kiss and undress. In this case, the man's penis increases in size (an erection occurs) and penetrates into the woman's vagina. Spermatozoa are released from the penis, if they meet with an egg, then pregnancy occurs. nine0003

It is important to touch upon the topic of pornography, because children see their first films for adults on average at the age of 7-10, added Lyubov Klimova. Let your child know that these are fictional stories and characters that should not be used to study sexual relationships.

Lyubov KlimovaSpecialist in sex education, author of the book Everything You Wanted to Know About Adolescence

You already know how the genitals are arranged, where children come from and what sex is - we read and talked a lot about it. Now you actively use the Internet, communicate with friends and have already seen or will soon see explicit scenes. It can be pictures, videos just with naked people or with those who have sex. It can evoke strong emotions, but there is a lot of untruth in there. I'll tell you more when you want. Just let me know. And if you see before we talk, don't worry: watching some video can't make you worse. Just come and discuss all the issues that have arisen. nine0003

Lydia Parkhitko Psychologist, specialist in parent-child relations, author of the book "How to talk to children about sex"

11-16 years old

Adolescents need detailed information on all topics of puberty: anatomy, hygiene, pregnancy and childbirth, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases.

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A trusting relationship with parents is crucial in a conversation with a teenager . If a child denies their opinion and correctness, you should pay attention to books for teenagers and educational films. nine0003

At the same time, it is important not to prohibit or condemn sex - this can be repulsive. It is much more productive to give access to verified and complete information, to form sexual literacy.

Books about where babies come from

When choosing literature or films, you need to focus on the age and level of interest of the child. Be sure to read and watch the material yourself in order to understand what information the author is broadcasting. Recommended reading from sex educators:

1. "Intimate educational program with and without parents" , Yulia Yarmolenko. Illustrated book about basic issues related to puberty, safety and sex. Suitable for children from 6 years old.
2. You Have Manhood , Nick Fisher. The book tells about the male reproductive system, diseases, hygiene, sex. The age limit is 16+, but, according to psychologist Klimova, the book is suitable for boys aged 10-16.
3. Birth , Helen Drewer. An interactive illustrated atlas that clearly tells about the birth of a person. It will be useful for children from 6 to 16 years old.
4. "How to talk to children about sex" , Lydia Parkhitko. A book for adults about the competent sexual education of children.
5. « About IT. From the first changes to the first desires" , Zep and Helen Brüller. The book tells about both physiological and psychological processes: the differences between love and falling in love, consent, self-respect, self-love. For teenagers aged 14-18. nine0075
6. "All you wanted to know about adolescence" , Lyubov Klimova. A coming of age book for girls aged 10-16. The publication is based on medical facts and adapted for easy perception.
7. My body is changing , Jerry Bailey. The book is about age-related changes, the first sexual experience, relationships with peers. For teenagers aged 14-18.
8. How Boys Grow Up (Phil Wilkinson) and How Girls Grow Up (Anita Nike).

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