The World Health Organization launched its first global guideline for infertility prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This comprehensive document includes 40 evidence-based recommendations to make fertility care safer, fairer, and more affordable worldwide.
Infertility affects one in six people of reproductive age, yet access remains severely limited, often leading to financial catastrophe. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized equity, noting millions face unproven treatments or impossible choices between family hopes and financial security.
Infertility Defined: A Major Public Health Equity Issue
WHO defines infertility as failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. It causes profound distress, stigma, mental health challenges, and economic hardship globally. Demand surges, but out-of-pocket costs dominate, with single IVF cycles sometimes doubling annual household income.
The guideline promotes integration into national health strategies, services, and financing for universal access. Consequently, countries can adapt these recommendations to local contexts effectively.
40 Recommendations Cover Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment
The guidelines outline cost-effective pathways starting with prevention through education on fertility factors like age in schools and clinics. They target risk factors including untreated STIs and tobacco use, recommending lifestyle changes such as healthy diets and exercise. Clinical management progresses from simple advice on fertile periods to advanced options like IUI or IVF based on tests and preferences. Male infertility receives equal diagnostic attention, often overlooked previously.
People-Centered Care Addresses Emotional Toll
Infertility often triggers depression, anxiety, and isolation, so ongoing psychosocial support proves essential for all affected individuals. The guideline stresses patient-centered approaches respecting preferences and rights. It advocates rights-based sexual and reproductive health integrating fertility care fully. Dr. Pascale Allotey highlighted gender equality and social justice in empowering reproductive choices throughout life.
Implementation Calls for Multi-Sector Collaboration
Successful rollout requires Ministries of Health, professional societies, civil society, and patient groups working together. Countries must monitor progress and align with comprehensive reproductive health strategies. Future updates will address fertility preservation, third-party reproduction, and pre-existing conditions. This framework tackles evidence gaps while building on current knowledge systematically.
Global Impact: From Equity Issue to Universal Access
Infertility represents an overlooked crisis demanding urgent action for dignity and equality. By prioritizing affordable, science-based care, nations can reduce catastrophic costs and stigma significantly. The guideline shifts fertility from luxury to essential health service. Ultimately, informed choices become possible when prevention and treatment integrate into universal coverage.
WHO’s pioneering guideline transforms infertility care from privilege to right, promoting prevention, equitable access, and psychosocial support. Countries adapting these recommendations can safeguard reproductive health, reduce stigma, and uphold social justice effectively.
Q&A: Key Insights from WHO Infertility Experts
Q: How common is infertility worldwide?
A: It affects 1 in 6 people of reproductive age, creating major equity and health challenges globally.
Q: What prevents access to fertility care?
A: High out-of-pocket costs, lack of integration in health systems, and limited trained providers block most people.
Q: Which risk factors does WHO target first?
A: Untreated STIs, tobacco use, and lifestyle issues like poor diet receive priority for prevention efforts.
Q: How does the guideline handle male infertility?
A: It provides equal diagnostic pathways and treatments, addressing previous under-investigation systematically.
Q: What emotional support does it recommend?
A: Continuous psychosocial care combats depression, anxiety, and isolation throughout the treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When was the WHO infertility guideline released?
A: November 28, 2025, marking the first global standard for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Q2: What defines infertility per WHO standards?
A: No pregnancy after 12+ months of regular unprotected intercourse, affecting mental and financial well-being.
Q3: How many recommendations does it contain?
A: Exactly 40 evidence-based actions covering all stages from prevention to advanced treatments like IVF.
Q4: Why integrate fertility into national health?
A: To ensure affordability, equity, and universal access, preventing catastrophic household expenditures.
Q5: What future topics will guidelines cover?
A: Fertility preservation, third-party reproduction, and impacts of pre-existing medical conditions.
