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WHO Issues First Global Guideline on Infertility Prevention and Treatment
The World Health Organization released its first global guideline calling on countries to improve fertility care by making it safer, fairer and more affordable. Infertility affects an estimated 1 in 6 people of reproductive age. The recommendations cover prevention, diagnosis and treatment while urging integration into national health systems.
May 9, 12:00 AM·2m read1 source
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The World Health Organization today released its first global guideline on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility, urging countries to make fertility care safer, fairer and more affordable. Infertility is estimated to affect 1 in 6 people of reproductive age at some point in their lives.
Demand for related services is rising worldwide, yet access remains severely limited in many places. In numerous countries, tests and treatments for infertility are funded primarily out-of-pocket, often resulting in catastrophic financial costs. In some settings, a single round of in vitro fertilization can cost double the average annual household income.
The guideline contains 40 recommendations aimed at strengthening prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It promotes cost-effective options and calls for integrating fertility care into national health strategies, services and financing.
Certain menstrual conditions, being underweight or overweight, tobacco use and some medical treatments such as those for cancer can increase the possibility of infertility. The guideline stresses the need to address leading risk factors including untreated sexually transmitted infections and tobacco use.
It recommends lifestyle interventions such as maintaining a healthy diet, physical activity and tobacco cessation for individuals and couples planning or attempting pregnancy. The document also calls for increased investment in providing information on fertility and infertility, including factors such as age, in schools, primary health care and reproductive health facilities.
