Indications for fertility preservation

BackgroundFertility preservation has become astandard part of treatment for young people with cancer. Nevertheless, for some indications for fertility protection, the counselling and treatment options are not offered because cooperation between medical disciplines is not yet optimal.IssueWhat are useful indications for counselling and realization of options on fertility preservation?Materials and methodsThe development of the indications for fertility protection is highlighted by publications from the last 50years. Today, national and international guidelines provide clear indications for fertility protection. This article gives an overview of the valid guidelines and the results of acurrent literature search.ResultsIn addition to the known indications with consultation and therapy before gonadotoxic treatments in men and women, fertility protection should also be considered in surgical procedures, as well as benign diseases concerning the gonads or premature ovarian insufficiency and even transgender people.ConclusionThe indications for fertility counselling and the implementation of measures of fertility preservation have become standard in modern medicine. In addition to rarer indications for women and men, continuous interdisciplinary training and further education must increase awareness in all medical disciplines so that as many people as possible can be reached regarding offers for fertility preservation.