Elsevier's Maturitas publishes position statement on fertility preservation

Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, today announced the publication of a position statement by the European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) in the journal Maturitas on the topic of fertility preservation.

The rising need for fertility preservation results from two new 21st century changes. Improved survival of malignant disease with gonadotoxic treatments means that long-term reproductive potential should now be considered. Delaying childbirth means that the use of fertility preservation techniques to counter the normal age-related decline in fertility is also becoming a topic of interest for many healthy women.

This EMAS position paper provides and critically appraises evidence on available options for fertility preservation in both pre-pubertal and post-pubertal men and women. EMAS position paper recommends that all men and women of reproductive age should be thoroughly informed before the initiation of any gonadotoxic treatment about the possible risks of the treatment in question and all available options of fertility preservation should be discussed. Fertility preservation should be a priority when treating children or adults of reproductive age with agents that may have hazardous effects on the reproductive system and gonadotoxicity should be kept at a minimum.

These and other recommendations presented in the EMAS' position statement on fertility preservation are published in the article: "EMAS Position statement: Fertility preservation," published in Maturitas, Elsevier; available online on ScienceDirect.

Notes for editors

Full text of the article is available to credentialed journalists upon request; contact newsroom@elsevier.com Journalists wishing to interview the authors may contact Greyling Peoples, +31 20 485 3323; g.peoples@elsevier.com or editor of Maturitas, Margaret Rees margaret.rees@hotmail.co.uk.

"EMAS Position statement: Fertility preservation" by Gesthimani Mintziori, Irene Lambrinoudaki, Iuliana Ceausu, Herman Depypere, C. Tamer Erel, Faustino R. Pérez-López, Karin Schenck-Gustafsson, Yvonne van der Schouw, Tommaso Simoncini, Florence Tremollieres, Basil C. Tarlatzis, Margaret Rees and Dimitrios G. Goulis. Published in Maturitas (Elsevier), In Press; DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.10.010.

About European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS)

EMAS promotes the study of midlife health through its journal, congresses, schools and website and encourages the exchange of research and professional experience between members.

Using a range of activities and through its affiliates, EMAS aims to guarantee and provide the same standard of education and information throughout Europe on midlife health in both genders. Recognizing the issues arising from increased longevity the society also provides articles, patient information, web resources, and referrals for healthcare providers in the field and keeps its members up-to-date.http://www.emas-online.org