EMAS position statement: Fertility preservation

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing incidence of malignant diseases that often require gonadotoxic treatment and the tendency to become a parent later in life result in an increased need for fertility preservation.

Aims: The aim of this position statement is to provide and critically appraise evidence on available options for fertility preservation in both pre-pubertal and post-pubertal men and women.

Materials and methods: Literature review and consensus of expert opinion.

Results and conclusions: Fertility preservation should be a priority when treating children or adults of reproductive age with agents that may have hazardous effects on the reproductive system. Gonadotoxicity should be kept at a minimum. If gonadotoxic treatment has to be used, methods of fertility preservation should be discussed, as early as possible.

Keywords: Embryo cryopreservation; Fertility preservation; Gonadotoxicity; Oocyte cryopreservation; Sperm cryopreservation.