A growing majority of women in the western hemisphere have been delaying initiation of childbearing to later in life. Consequently, more women in their late 30s to early 40s are attempting to get pregnant for the first time than ever before. Since the incidence of most cancers increases with age, delayed childbearing results in more female cancer survivors interested in fertility preservation.

In this book, the editors provide strategies for fertility preservation in women and men who require gonadotoxic treatment. In addition, epidemiologic, ethical, medico-legal, psychologic, and social aspects of fertility preservation are discussed. Using a format that combines concise scientific background with practical methodological information and easy-to-grasp algorithms, the chapters all conform to a uniform structure, including a brief abstract, keyword glossary, step by step protocol of laboratory procedures, key issues in commentary and a list of references. The result is a unique, practical reference guide for reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, embryologists, reproductive scientists, and oncologists.

Inhalt

Foreword.- Preface.- Contributors.- The Epidemiology of Fertility Preservation.- Ethical Discussions in Approaching Fertility Preservation.- Ovarian Follicle Development and Fertility Preservation.- Impact of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy on the Ovary.- Impact of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy on the Uterus.- Ovarian Transposition.- Embryo Cryopreservation and Alternative Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation Strategies for Fertility Preservation.- Oocyte Cryopreservation.- Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation and Autotransplantation.- Oocyte In Vitro Maturation: Formidable Obstacles on the Road to Fertility Preservation.- Whole Ovary Cryopreservation.- Risk of Transplanting Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue in Women with Malignancies.- Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonists in Fertility Preservation.- Fertility Preservation in Gynecologic Malignancies.- Third-Party Reproduction and Adoption After Cancer: Practical and Emotional Considerations.- Pregnancy and Cancer Treatment.- Fertility Preservation Strategies in Healthy Women.- Approach to Fertility Preservation in Adult and Pre-pubertal Females.- Spermatogenesis and Testicular Function.- Impact of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy on the Testis.- Impact of Paternal Exposure to Gonadotoxins on Embryo and Offspring and the Male Evaluation.- Update on Sperm Banking.- Preservation of Sperm Isolates or Testicular Biopsy Samples.- Germ Cell Transplantation and Neospermatogenesis.- Testicular Tissue Transplantation for Fertility Preservation.- Stem Cells and Fertility Preservation in Males.- Approach to Fertility Preservation in Adult and Pre-pubertal Males.- Embryo Cryopreservation and Alternative Strategies for Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation.- Oocyte Cryopreservation.- Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation.- Sperm Preparation and Freezing for Banking.- Preservation of Sperm Isolates and Testicular Biopsy Samples for Banking.- Testis Tissue Xenografting.- Index