Male fertility preservation-Methods, indications and challenges

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Oncology

Background:

• Male fertility preservation has seen significant growth over 20 years.
• Increased cancer survivorship and advancements in chronic disease treatments drive demand for future parenthood.
• Non-medically indicated fertility preservation, including social sperm banking and gender dysphoria-related procedures, is also increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent trends in male fertility preservation.
• To outline common indications for sperm cryopreservation.
• To discuss sperm retrieval techniques and experimental frontiers.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on male fertility preservation.
• Analysis of trends in indications for sperm cryopreservation.
• Examination of current and experimental techniques.

Main Results:

• Sperm cryopreservation remains the gold standard when feasible.
• Experimental methods like testicular tissue and stem cell autotransplantation offer alternatives, particularly for pre-pubertal males.
• Growing demand for fertility preservation is noted for both medical and non-medical reasons.

Conclusions:

• Male fertility preservation is a rapidly evolving field with increasing applications.
• Proper patient counseling regarding gonadotoxic therapies is crucial.
• Ongoing research into experimental techniques promises future options for a wider patient population.