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Stem cells are a population of undifferentiated cells that originated from embryonic and fetal stages of development. Stem cells possess the potency to produce cells that ultimately form different tissues and organs. They are considered as potential alternative novel therapeutic agents for patients suffering from infertility due to their unlimited source and high differentiation potency. There are several studies that have shown that different types of stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic, endometrial, and ovarian stem cells) can be differentiated into both spermatozoa and oocytes in vitro, proving their potential clinical use in management and cure of infertility issues. Furthermore, mouse model studies have shown that ovarian stem cells, when cultured in vitro, can differentiate into a mature oocyte; however, there are still a lot of debates and complications attached to this concept. In addition, this is yet to be established using human ovarian stem cells, but, if established, would be a novel fertility preservation and treatment technique for women with infertility-related complications. This review gives comprehensive details of the available clinical application of stem cells in infertility treatment.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the ability to differentiate into several cell lineages and self-renew. Through a spontaneous process, ESCs can differentiate into germ cells of various stages, partly due to their self-renewal ability and their microenvironment culture. Human and mouse ESC differentiation into putative primordial germ cells (PGCs) has been demonstrated by several studies; in fact, derivation of functional mouse male gametes has also been reported. However, the exact underlying mechanisms are yet to be understood properly, and as such clinical applications of ESC-derived PGC remains controversial. Nonetheless, this technique can still serve as a potential treatment option for infertility. This review centers on the available reports on the possible application of ESC for infertility treatment.