Update on fertility in thalassaemia major

Therapeutic advances in thalassaemia major have significantly increased the average lifespan and improved the quality of life in thalassaemic patients. Therefore attainment of reproductive capacity and creation of a family has become a great task. Endocrine complications due to haemosiderosis and especially hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism are still present in a significant number of patients worldwide and often becomes a barrier in their desire for parenthood. The report of 358 successful pregnancies so far has provided strong evidence not only for the absence of any deleterious effect on the course of thalassaemia but also for the safety of the pregnancy in the thalassaemic woman. Ovarian function is well preserved in women suffering primary or secondary amenorrhea as they become able to conceive following a closely monitored stimulation therapy. The desire of the thalassaemic woman to become a mother is always viewed with special caution and sensitivity. Ambitions of this sort pose numerous medico legal and ethical issues that need to be addressed prudently if the patients' quality of life is to be optimized.