The Basics -

Pick A topic to learn more

  • Everyone’s body is unique. Here are a few things to learn more about yours and others:

    • Some have uteruses, vaginas, and such.

    • Some have penises, testicles.

    • Some even have a little bit of both.

    • YOUR GENDER IS NOT DETERMINED BY YOUR PIECES AND PARTS!

  • Bodies change over time. Hormones influence how things change:

    • If you body is exposed to estrogen you can expect:

      • Breast development

      • Menstruation

      • Pubic and underarm hair growth

      • Body shape changes

      • Bone strengthening and growth spurts

    • If you body is exposed to testosterone you can expect:

      • Changes in shape and size of testicles and penis

      • Body odor changes

      • Increased body hair

      • Voice changes - gets deeper

      • Sexual desire changes

      • Growth spurts and muscle changes

    • If you are intersex your puberty will be based on which hormones are present for you. (Click here for a video)

    • Jump to the Puberty Section

  • Learn more about how bodies work and pregnancy:

    • Pregnancy happens when a sperm and egg come together

    • Chances of pregnancy change over time based on cycles

    • People of any gender identity OR sexual orientation can get pregnant

    Click here to jump to this section

  • Gender Identity is how you feel inside about being a boy, a girl, both, neither, or something else. It’s part of who you are, and it doesn’t always match your body or the gender people assume you are based on how you look.

    Gender Euphoria described as the positive feelings associated with gender identity, expression, and affirmation.

    Gender Dysphoria is when someone feels uncomfortable or upset because their body or the way people see them doesn’t match how they feel inside about their gender.

  • Sexual orientation is about who someone feels attracted to—emotionally, romantically, or physically. It’s part of who a person is, just like their personality and is not a choice just like being left handed.

    Some examples of sexual orientation include:

    • Straight (heterosexual): being attracted to people of a different gender.

    • Gay or lesbian: being attracted to people of the same gender.

    • Bisexual: being attracted to more than one gender.

    • Asexual: not feeling romantic or physical attraction to others, or only feeling it sometimes.

    • Pansexual: being attracted to people regardless of their gender.

    It’s important to know that sexual orientation is separate from gender identity.

Jump to the Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression Page

Anatomy (Pieces and Parts): Check these out to learn more

How many Holes are down there, And what are they for?

Penises and Testicles

vaginas and Vulvas

Puberty: Check these out to learn more

Puberty Explained

Puberty in Intersex and Nonbinary people

Puberty in people with Penises and testicles

Puberty in people with vaginas and Vulvas

Puberty Blockers Explained

 Pregnancy/Reproduction FAQs

  • Pregnancy happens when a sperm cell joins with an egg cell. This usually takes place inside the body of someone who has a uterus and ovaries.

    Here’s a basic overview:

    1. Ovulation: The body releases an egg from the ovary.

    2. Fertilization: If sperm enters the body (usually through vaginal sex), it can meet the egg and fertilize it.

    3. Implantation: The fertilized egg travels to the uterus and attaches to the lining, starting a pregnancy.

    Pregnancy can also happen through medical procedures like insemination or IVF (in vitro fertilization), which don’t require sex.

    Learn more here.

  • Yes. Anyone with a uterus and ovaries may be able to become pregnant, regardless of their gender identity. This includes transgender men, nonbinary people, and others who may not identify as women.

  • No. Testosterone is not a reliable form of birth control. Even if someone hasn’t had a period in a long time, pregnancy is still possible if they have a uterus and ovaries and engage in sexual activity that can result in pregnancy

  • Yes, you do. If you have a vagina, cervix, uterus, or breasts, regular visits to an OB/GYN are important—regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Here’s why:

    1. Preventive Care Matters

    • Pap smears and cervical cancer screenings are essential, even if you’ve never had sex with men. Some infections and conditions can still affect you through skin-to-skin contact or shared sex toys.

    • Breast exams, STI screenings, and reproductive health checkups help catch issues early and keep you healthy

    2. Sexual Health

    • STIs can be transmitted between women, so safe sex practices and regular testing are still important.

    • Your OB/GYN can offer advice on safer sex, contraception, and fertility options if you’re considering pregnancy.

    3. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

    • OB/GYNs can help with issues like gender dysphoria, postpartum depression, and mental health screenings, especially in LGBTQ+ patients.

    4. Inclusive Care Is Possible

    • Many OB/GYNs are working to be more inclusive—using gender-neutral language, respecting pronouns, and creating safe spaces. If your current provider isn’t affirming, you deserve one who is.

    Check out our Provider Directory

  • There are many paths to parenthood, including:

    • Pregnancy (with or without assisted reproductive technology)

    • Surrogacy

    • Adoption or fostering

    • Fertility preservation (like freezing eggs or sperm before starting HRT)

  • Yes. , a gender diverse person can breast or chest feed depending on their body, medical history, and personal situation. Gender identity does not determine the ability to produce milk. People who are transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, or intersex may be able to feed an infant from their chest. Milk production depends on breast/chest tissue, hormones, and stimulation. Lactation consults experienced in gender affirming care can be helpful.