Fertility preservation in children and young adults undergoing treatment for malignancy

Abstract

Advances in cancer therapy have improved the long-term survival of young patients suffering from malignancies. However, the adverse effects of the treatment are sterility and loss of gonadal function especially in females. Preservation of fertility in males by sperm freezing is more practical and already established. For young women undergoing cancer treatment, the availability of preserving the gonadal function and fertility has just begun. Today, we can cryopreserve the oocytes, the embryos or the ovarian tissue and in those undergoing pelvic irradiation, laparoscopic lateral ovarian suspension can be considered. Because women with non-gynecological malignancies seek advice from a general surgeon or a medical oncologist, increasing the awareness of the physicians and general public is recommended.