Abstract
The use of fertility preservation strategies prior to chemo-/radiotherapy treatments represents the only alternative to protect the chances for future reproduction in pre- and postpubertal girls. There are three available options: (a) embryo cryopreservation, (b) oocyte cryopreservation, and (c) ovarian cortex cryopreservation. The first is the most established of the techniques, but it requires either a male partner or the use of donor sperm; oocyte cryopreservation has been gaining in popularity by avoiding the ethical concerns with embryo storage. Ovarian cortex freezing is no longer considered experimental and is indicated for prepubertal girls and for women who cannot postpone radio-/chemotherapy or are desirous to preserve both reproductive and endocrine functions after regrafting surgeries. This chapter focuses on evaluating these options both for medical and social reasons. Specific indications for embryo, oocyte, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation are discussed.