Reproduction, as one of the main priorities of the World Health Organization (WHO), is a substantial basis of human survival. There are various factors which can reduce reproductive potential or eliminate it completely. In such circumstances, fertility preservation can significantly improve life expectancy and subsequently psychological and mental health of any individual. Malignant diseases are among the factors which may lead to infertility. Steady rise of success in oncologic treatments makes implementation of appropriate guidelines for fertility preservation. Common cancer treatment regimens including radiotherapy and chemotherapy reduce fertility chance through ovum and sperm destruction. Therefore, in order to reduce side effects of such treatments on reproductive system, ovum and sperm cryopreservation should be applied through useful banking systems, besides appropriate treatment methods. Fertility preservation procedures should be taken into consideration not only in cancerous cases, but in other conditions which may threat the reproduction process. Fertility preservation may also be required in other cases like delay in marriage, premature ovarian failure and contraceptive procedures such as vasectomy and tubal ligation. This Seminar attempts to discuss the latest scientific findings and achievements regards fertility preservation in cancer and other disabling diseases in male, female and children, cryopreservation methods of ovarian tissue, ovum, testicular tissue and sperm and consider ethical – legal and psychological aspects of this issue.

Objectives:

• Exchanging views on the latest findings concerning fertility preservation as well as offering an updated review of fertility preservation techniques
• Exploring proper treatment methods in fertility restoration and creating a positive attitude toward it in desperate conditions

Target audience:

• People from academic and research centers working in the area of fertility preservation including oncologists, gynecologists and embryologists and those who are working on transplantation are encouraged to attend this meeting to deepen and widen their knowledge

Expected Results:

• Introducing fertility preservation and its different medical aspects
• Establishing interdisciplinary scientific cooperation between specialists who are involved in this field (e.g. oncologists, gynecologists and embryologists) for assessing and introducing the proper guidelines regarding fertility preservation before and after treatment
• Raising the physicians’ awareness of fertility preservation approaches for patients in need
• Building motivation in medical researchers to study and present modern methods of fertility preservation
• Training the latest medical breakthroughs in the field of fertility preservation and current methods of ovary, ovum, testis and sperm cryopreservation