Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Andvik, Vicki

Keywords

Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation, Oocyte Cryopreservation, Cryopreservation Techniques, Ovarian Tissue Transplantation, Fertility Methods, Cryopreservation Safety

Abstract

This literature review aims to compare ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) and oocyte cryopreservation as methods for fertility preservation. Electronic health science databases including PubMed, Clinical Key, ScienceDirect, and UpToDate were utilized. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for this comprehensive review. This review indicates that both oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation can effectively preserve fertility, however, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is deemed most effective for prepubertal girls at high risk of iatrogenic primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), or women who are unable to postpone gonadotoxic treatment. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation offers advantages that oocyte cryopreservation does not, such as multiple spontaneous pregnancies from a single transplant and resumption of ovarian function. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation also does not carry the risks associated with ovarian stimulation and delaying gonadotoxic treatment, unlike oocyte cryopreservation. Despite successful birth rates and low surgical risks associated with ovarian tissue cryopreservation, studies reveal a low utilization rate, with women often considering stored ovarian tissue as a “backup plan”. There is a need for further additional research on ovarian tissue cryopreservation, especially in the younger age groups, as there was limited participation in follow-up studies. Overall, the studies analyzed in this literature review support ovarian tissue cryopreservation as an effective method of fertility preservation but emphasize the importance of further investigation and follow-up studies.

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