Fertility Preservation as an Option for Women with Genetic Disorders: Insights from a SWOT Analysis on Elective Oocyte Freezing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Abstract

This paper uses a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to overview the option of fertility preservation in women with genetic diseases, who would later use preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders, in order to not transmit their condition. Strengths associated with elective oocyte freezing are ethical considerations, overall maternal and fetal safety, and effectiveness, if performed at <35 years of age. Weaknesses are related to costs and rare but present (<1–3%) risks of maternal complications. Counselling on fertility management aimed at preventing infertility offers a valuable opportunity, the same as it has been in oncological patients’ care. The potentially high percentage of women with genetic conditions who would return to use their frozen oocytes also represents an opportunity together with the minimization of the need for egg donation, which has higher obstetrical risks compared to the use of autologous oocytes. Finally, a threat is represented by the potential psychological distress to young women who could never attempt to become pregnant through preimplantation genetic testing, or do it before any decline in their fertility. Potential unknown future long-term health risks for children conceived after egg vitrification/thawing are also a threat, but current knowledge is reassuring. Altogether, early counselling on the option of fertility preservation should thus be incorporated into standard care of all patients with any genetic condition.