Gonadal cryopreservation in the young patient with gynaecological malignancy

For patients who are planning to have chemotherapy, radiotherapy or to unde rgo bilateral oophorectomy, the loss of ovarian function will result in pre mature ovarian menopause and loss of fertility. Embryo preservation is not an option for single women or married women because delaying treatment for at least 2 months of in-vitro fertilization cycles is inappropriate and may be life-threatening. This study reports on the indications for ovarian tis sue cryobanking and the state of the art of this method in preserving ferti lity in women with iatrogenic premature menopause. (C) 2000 Lippincott Will iams & Wilkins.