Oocyte Cryopreservation Using Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Premenarchal Adolescent Girls with Haemoglobinopathies Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Series

J Hum Reprod Sci. 2025 Jul-Sep;18(3):174-176. doi: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_153_25. Epub 2025 Sep 25.

Abstract

Survival in paediatric haemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease and thalassemia major has improved due to curative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, myeloablative chemotherapy regimens are gonadotoxic, increasing the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is commonly used for fertility preservation (FP) in prepubertal girls, but minimally invasive options like controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and oocyte vitrification remain underexplored. We report two cases of oocyte cryopreservation in premenarchal girls (ages 12 and 15) with haemoglobinopathies. COS with hMG resulted in adequate follicular response and successful retrieval of mature oocytes. One patient underwent transvaginal retrieval, while the other required a transabdominal approach. Our experience suggests that with multidisciplinary coordination and careful hormonal assessment, COS and oocyte vitrification can be viable FP strategies in selected peri-pubertal patients.

Keywords: Fertility preservation; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; oocyte cryopreservation; premenarchal; reproductive endocrinology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports