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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Gonadal dysfunction and fertility problems in cancer survivors
Marianne Brydøy1, Sophie D Fosså, Olav Dahl
1Department of Oncology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. marianne.brydoy@helse-bergen.no
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Cancer treatments can cause gonadal dysfunction and fertility issues in young survivors. Premature ovarian failure (POF) and infertility are significant concerns, necessitating proactive fertility preservation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Cancer Survivorship
Background:
- Cancer treatments and malignancies can lead to gonadal dysfunction and fertility problems.
- Young cancer survivors face risks of infertility and premature ovarian failure (POF), impacting current and future health.
- While young age was thought to confer protection, POF prevalence in young Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors is significant (37%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review gonadal dysfunction and fertility issues in young cancer survivors.
- To discuss methods for protecting or restoring endocrine function and fertility post-cancer treatment.
- To highlight the importance of addressing these issues during follow-up care.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gonadal dysfunction and fertility in young cancer survivors.
- Analysis of adverse effects of cancer treatments on male and female reproductive systems.
- Examination of long-term follow-up data on fertility and paternity rates.
Main Results:
- Females are at risk for infertility and premature ovarian failure (POF), with long-term health implications like osteoporosis.
- Males are more prone to infertility (azoospermia) than hypogonadism due to germ cell sensitivity to treatment.
- Improved paternity rates observed in testicular cancer survivors treated more recently (1989-1994 vs. 1980-1988).
Conclusions:
- Proactive identification of at-risk patients for hypogonadism and infertility is crucial before treatment.
- Maximizing the utilization of available gonadal preservation methods is essential.
- Oncologists must routinely address gonadal health and fertility concerns during patient follow-up.
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