Obesity, Fertility Preservation and Gynecologic Cancers

Abstract

A small but significant number of gynecologic cancers are diagnosed in women less than 40 years old. Many of these women will have not started or fulfilled their plans to have children and will desire to preserve their fertility, in spite of their cancer diagnosis. The field of Oncofertility utilizes multidisciplinary collaboration between reproductive medicine specialists and oncology providers to inform patients of the potential for cancer-related infertility and present options for fertility preservation (FP) while balancing disease treatment and fertility goals. While FP offers hope for future parenthood in reproductive age women with cancer, it is important to recognize that obesity also presents unique challenges in terms of treatment and reproductive outcomes. Currently, there are limited data on FP outcomes in this population. Here we review the impact of obesity and cancer treatment on fertility, options for fertility preservation, and special considerations in the reproductive management of obese women with gynecologic malignancies.