The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its first-ever comprehensive global guidelines aimed at improving the prevention, detection, and treatment of infertility, a condition affecting millions worldwide. Released on Friday, November 28, the groundbreaking directives address a long-neglected public health issue that impacts one in six people globally during their lifetime.
A Widespread Yet Neglected Challenge
Infertility, defined by the WHO as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual relations, transcends geographical and socio-economic boundaries, affecting individuals and couples across all regions and income levels. Despite its prevalence, access to safe and affordable care remains highly inequitable, as highlighted by Pascale Allotey, head of sexual and reproductive health at the global health body. Allotey emphasized that infertility has been overlooked "for far too long," leading to significant distress, social stigmatization, and severe financial burdens for those affected.
The Financial Toll of Infertility
The economic impact of infertility care is particularly severe in many countries, where patients often bear the brunt of testing and treatment costs. The WHO report indicates that these expenses frequently result in "catastrophic financial expenditures." For instance, a single cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a common infertility treatment, can astonishingly cost double the average annual household income in some settings, creating an insurmountable barrier for many.
Comprehensive Recommendations for Global Action
The new guide outlines 40 crucial recommendations designed to establish a unified, evidence-based foundation for effective, safe, and accessible care. A key call to action is the integration of fertility services into national health funding, strategies, and broader health services.
The guidelines also emphasize the need for effective clinical management, encompassing both diagnosis and treatment. Notably, they advocate for increased attention to male diagnoses, which are often under-investigated, suggesting a structured approach from initial advice to active treatment. Furthermore, the WHO stresses the importance of investing more in prevention strategies. Health professionals are urged to proactively address major risk factors for infertility, including untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and smoking.
These unprecedented global guidelines represent a significant step forward in recognizing infertility as a legitimate health condition requiring coordinated international efforts to ensure equitable access to care and support for all affected individuals.
