Embryo Cryopreservation and Alternative Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation Strategies for Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation with embryo cryopreservation is a safe and effective option in women with cancer and other disorders requiring gonadotoxic treatment. Most patients presenting have surgically treated breast cancer, who are about to undergo chemotherapy. Other less commonly encountered indications include hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases such as severe SLE with organ involvement and ITP. Women who are undergoing surgery for endometriosis as well as women with genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome and fragile-X premutation who face similar risks further contribute to the population of women who need fertility preservation procedures. In women with an established partner, fertility preservation entails ovarian stimulation, egg collection, fertilization, and embryo cryopreservation. Several concerns have been voiced over ovarian stimulation and resulting hyperestrogenism in women with surgically treated breast cancer. Alternative ovarian stimulation protocols using aromatase inhibitors combined with gonadotropins have been developed with the aim to obviate some of the potential adverse effects. Collection of immature oocytes followed by in vitro maturation and subsequent fertilization appears to be a viable and effective method that may prevent most of the drawbacks of classical ovarian stimulation. Access this chapter Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout Purchases are for personal use only Similar content being viewed by others

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