No abstract

The review covers current options for ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation and provides a systematic review of the existing literature from the last 10 years, taking into account all previously published reviews on the subject. The different cryopreservation options available for fertility preservation in cancer patients are embryo cryopreservation, oocyte cryopreservation and ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The choice depends on various parameters: the type and timing of chemotherapy, the type of cancer, the patient's age and the partner status. The different options and their results are discussed, as well as their putative indications and efficacy. The review concludes that advances in reproductive technology have made fertility preservation techniques a real possibility for patients whose gonadal function is threatened by premature menopause, or by treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgical castration.

In order to evaluate the relationship between leiomyomas and infertility, which remains a subject of debate, we have tried to evaluate the impact of myomas on fertility and pregnancy outcome in different conditions where myomas are implicated. Medline research was conducted of publications appearing between January 1988 and August 2001 on the subjects of myomas and myomectomy and their impact on fertility and pregnancy outcome in infertile women. A total of 106 manuscripts were consulted. The incidence of myomas in infertile women without any obvious cause of infertility is estimated to be 1-2.4%. The relationship between leiomyomas and infertility remains a subject of debate. The question is: do myomas influence fertility? We are obliged to conclude that the question remains. The absence of an answer to this crucial question is probably due to the fact that we have not yet conducted the appropriate prospective studies required to obtain any clear results.

Our review suggests that ovarian cortex cryopreservation is feasible and as safe as comparable operative procedures in children. Although no births have yet resulted from freeze-thawing of prepubertal ovarian cortex, the results of this approach in adults are encouraging. However, the absence of consensus on the indications for fertility preservation, as well as the optimal timing and quantity of ovarian cortex for cryopreservation, should be taken into consideration when discussing fertility issues with girls at risk of POF and their parents.