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Published on: October 24, 2025
Fertility in patients with multiple sclerosis: current knowledge and future perspectives
Summary
Fertility in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may be impacted by the disease and its treatments. This review explores factors affecting fertility and discusses reproductive technologies and preservation methods for MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Fertility in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is understudied.
- MS can cause endocrine and sexual dysfunctions affecting reproduction.
- Certain MS treatments (e.g., mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide) can harm reproductive cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review factors influencing fertility in MS patients.
- To discuss therapeutic options for promoting fertility in MS.
- To examine the safety of hormonal therapies and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in MS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MS and fertility.
- Analysis of endocrine and sexual disturbances in MS.
- Evaluation of reproductive treatments and fertility preservation techniques.
Main Results:
- Reduced spontaneous fecundity suggested in MS patients.
- Endocrine and sexual dysfunctions are common in both sexes.
- Cytotoxic MS therapies can impair sperm and oocyte quality.
- Hormonal therapies and ART offer potential solutions.
- Fertility preservation methods include cryopreservation and ovarian fragment autografting.
Conclusions:
- Multiple factors affect fertility in MS patients.
- ART and fertility preservation are crucial considerations.
- Further research is needed to optimize reproductive outcomes in MS.
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