Fertility preservation in children and young adults undergoing treatment for malignancy

Authors

• Haya M. Al-Fozan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Togas Tulandi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, 687 Pine Ave. West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 1A1. Fax. +1 (514) 8431448. E-mail: togas.tulandi{at}mcgill.ca

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.

Article Type

Review

First Page

141

Last Page

144

Recommended Citation

Al-Fozan, Haya M. and Tulandi, Togas (2004) "Fertility preservation in children and young adults undergoing treatment for malignancy," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 25: Iss. 2, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2306