Feasibility and efficiency of delayed ovarian stimulation and oocyte banking for fertility preservation after fertility-impairing treatment

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of delayed ovarian stimulation and oocyte banking for fertility preservation after fertility-impairing treatment regardless of the initial disease. Methods We conducted a cohort study based on population of women < 40 years of age with diminished ovarian reserve (n = 129). Three groups of women were compared according to the type of initial disease: hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and benign diseases. The endpoints were the number of metaphase II oocytes collected per woman, whether vitrified or immediately used in in vitro fertilization and the cumulative live birth rate per stimulation cycle. Results We studied 245 delayed controlled ovarian stimulation cycles in 129 women: 201 for fertility preservation and 44 for in vitro fertilization and fresh embryo transfers. The number of metaphase II oocytes collected per woman after oocyte banking was similar in the three groups, with a mean of 10.7 ± 4.6, 12.3 ± 9.1 and 10.1 ± 7.6 oocytes (NS), respectively. The cumulative live birth rate was 38%, with 8 live births for the 21 women who wanted to conceive. Conclusion After fertility-impairing treatment, practitioners should discuss a fertility preservation procedure for banking oocytes, even if a fertility preservation has already been performed.