Fertility Counseling and Preservation: Considerations for the Pediatric Endocrinologist

The document from October 2017 emphasized the importance of fertility counseling and preservation in pediatric endocrinology, particularly for patients undergoing treatments that could potentially harm their future fertility. It highlighted the need for early and ongoing discussions about fertility with patients and their families, and the role of multidisciplinary teams in managing these cases. The paper outlined various fertility preservation options for both males and females, and reviewed pediatric populations at risk for infertility, such as those undergoing oncologic therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and those with gender dysphoria. It also discussed disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), and other causes of gonadal dysfunction, such as genetic/metabolic conditions and autoimmune ovarian insufficiency. The document concluded that pediatric endocrinologists need to be educated and trained in addressing these issues, as timely fertility counseling results in higher rates of fertility preservation and improved satisfaction among patients and families.