Female fertility preservation in DSD

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Jun;33(3):101289. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.101289. Epub 2019 Jul 9.

Abstract

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a group of complex conditions that can affect chromosomal, gonadal, and/or phenotypical sex with a highly variable fertility potential amongst affected individuals. In this review we discuss fertility issues facing patients affected by DSD and Turner syndrome and summarise the literature on fertility and reproductive outcomes. We will also discuss fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic treatment in adolescent and prepubertal girls. Future directions in fertility preservation and ethical issues will also be addressed. Fertility preserving options that are established include ovarian tissue and oocyte cryopreservation. However, in many of the DSDs fertility is not possible and the discussion may need to move toward alternative methods of creating a family such as gamete donation or surrogacy.

Keywords: DSD; fertility preservation; gonadotoxic therapy; turner syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cryopreservation
  • Disorders of Sex Development / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation*
  • Humans
  • Oocytes
  • Turner Syndrome / physiopathology