The pediatric patient and future fertility: optimizing long-term male reproductive health outcomes

Abstract

Globally, male factor infertility accounts for 20%-70% of couples struggling to conceive. Certain male pediatric developmental conditions, such as cryptorchidism, hypospadias, testicular and other childhood cancers, infections, and pediatric varicocele have been associated with future infertility. Early fertility preservation, especially in those with pending chemotherapy or genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, should be strongly considered in patients expected to experience testicular loss. Although optimal treatment timing may be unknown owing to a paucity of long-term prospective studies, early diagnosis and targeted treatment may optimize fertility potential in adulthood.

Keywords: Fertility preservation; Klinefelter syndrome; cryptorchidism; male factor infertility; pediatric cancer.