WHO: Infertility Treatment Should Be Part of Public Health Services

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated today in its first guidelines on infertility that this issue is a neglected challenge within public health, urging for affordable treatment to be provided within national health systems.

The organization estimates that infertility affects more than one in six people of reproductive age at some point in their lives, but access to healthcare is extremely limited and varies significantly from country to country.

The organization noted that treatment costs are often borne by the individual suffering from infertility, leading to exorbitant financial expenses.

It added that in some countries, the cost of a single cycle of in vitro fertilization can be double the average annual household income.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, stated in a press release: "Infertility is one of the most neglected public health challenges of our time and represents a major issue regarding global equity."

He added that millions of men and women face this condition alone, having to choose between having children and financial security, or being forced into cheaper but unverified treatment options.

According to the organization's definition, infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

The organization stated that treatment is not limited to in vitro fertilization but includes all steps that primary healthcare workers can take to help couples or individuals conceive, including guidance on lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking.

It clarified that the guidelines include 40 recommendations for countries aimed at making fertility care safer, fairer, and more affordable for everyone.

In addition to these steps, the organization emphasized the importance of improving educational efforts regarding factors affecting fertility, such as age, as well as providing support for those facing social stigma and pressures related to treatment.