International Internal Medicine Journal(IIMJ)
ISSN: 2837-4835 | DOI: 10.33140/IIMJ
Impact Factor: 1.02
Advances in Fertility Preservation and Emerging Therapies for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a distressing reproductive disorder characterized by amenorrhea, estrogen deficiency, and loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. Beyond infertility, POI carries significant long- term consequences related to bone health, cardiovascular disease, and psychological well-being. While fertility options for these women have historically been limited, recent advancements in reproductive medicine have opened new possibilities for fertility preservation and potential restoration of ovarian activity.
Objective: This review aims to summarize current fertility preservation strategies, outline emerging therapies showing promise for the future, and evaluate the evidence supporting their clinical utility in women with POI.
Methods: A narrative review of relevant literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was conducted. Emphasis was placed on current fertility preservation techniques, experimental interventions, and evolving therapeutic modalities.
Results: Established fertility preservation approaches, such as oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, remain the most reliable options for women at risk of POI. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has emerged as a viable technique, particularly for pre-pubertal girls or those unable to undergo ovarian stimulation. Novel approaches—including ovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell-based interventions, and in-vitro activation of dormant follicles—have demonstrated encouraging preliminary results, though evidence remains limited and largely experimental.
Conclusion: Fertility preservation in POI has evolved significantly over the past decade. While cryopreservation remains the cornerstone of clinical practice, innovative biological therapies offer new hope for restoring fertility. Larger clinical studies are needed to establish safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of these emerging techniques.