WHO on infertility: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its first-ever global guidelines aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
“One in six people worldwide experience infertility during their lifetime,” said Pascale Allotey, director of sexual and reproductive health at WHO. “The condition affects individuals and couples across all regions, yet access to safe and affordable care remains highly inequitable.”
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The new guidance is intended to provide a “unified, evidence-based foundation” so that infertility care is safe, effective and accessible, Allotey said.
WHO defines infertility as a disorder of the male or female reproductive system, characterised by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. The agency notes that infertility can cause significant emotional distress, social stigma and financial strain.
In many countries, most of the costs of infertility testing and treatment are paid out of pocket by patients. The WHO warned that this can lead to “catastrophic financial expenditures,” pointing out that in some settings, a single round of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) may cost twice the average annual household income.
The new guideline contains 40 recommendations and urges countries to integrate fertility care into national health financing, services and strategies. It also calls for stronger clinical management of infertility, from initial assessment to treatment.
One of the areas highlighted is male infertility, which the WHO says is often under-investigated. The guidance recommends that men be routinely evaluated, with care ranging from counselling and lifestyle advice to active medical or surgical treatment where appropriate. The organisation also underlined the need for greater investment in prevention.
Health workers, the WHO said, should address major risk factors for infertility, including untreated sexually transmitted infections, smoking and other modifiable lifestyle factors, as part of broader sexual and reproductive health services.
