Thanks to the benefits provided by oocyte vitrification and the other fertility preservation techniques (1. freezing of ovarian tissue, 2. use of GnRH agonists, 3. in vitro oocyte maturation, 4. transposition of ovaries), a new field of activity has opened up within the field of Assisted Reproduction.
Cancer patients’ rates of survival and cure have increased today, basically due to the improvements in oncological treatment. Therefore, the consequences of these kinds of treatment have now taken on more importance. Ovary functions and maintenance of fertility are two of the aspects that most concern patients that have overcome the illness, since these may affect their quality of life and self-esteem.
As well as young women diagnosed with cancer who are going to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy, it is also recommended for patients with autoimmune illnesses (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) who are going to be treated with cytotoxic compounds, for young mothers with severe endometriosis, and women in general who for whatever reason (work-related reasons, the aim of greater economic stability, women with no couple or else with a couple but no desire to become pregnant at this time) wish to postpone their motherhood.