For the First Time.. Recommendations from the World Health Organization to Combat Infertility

The World Health Organization has published guidelines for the first time to enhance the prevention of infertility affecting millions of people worldwide, and to improve its diagnosis and treatment.

Pascal Alouti, Director of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Department at the World Health Organization, told reporters: "One in six people in the world experiences infertility in their lifetime," noting that "this issue affects individuals and couples from various regions and income levels, yet access to safe and affordable care remains significantly unequal."

She added: "The issue of infertility has been neglected for far too long, and countries, doctors, and patient associations are calling for clear guidelines. Therefore, this guide provides a unified framework based on reliable evidence to ensure that fertility treatments are safe, effective, and accessible to all who need them."

According to the World Health Organization, infertility is a disease affecting the male or female reproductive system, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. This situation can cause significant psychological distress and social stigma, in addition to financial costs.

In many countries, patients bear the brunt of the costs for tests and treatments, forcing them to spend large amounts. The World Health Organization stated: "In some cases, a single cycle of in vitro fertilization may cost twice the average annual income of a family."

On Friday, the organization published 40 recommendations calling for the integration of fertility into national health strategies, services, and financing.

These recommendations outline guidelines for providing effective clinical care, from diagnosis to treatment.

The organization emphasized the importance of diagnosing male infertility, which is often overlooked, and provided guidance ranging from adopting simpler treatment strategies where doctors initially offer advice on fertility periods and enhancing them without effective treatment, to more complex treatments such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.

It is also advised to increase investment in prevention, recommending addressing the main risk factors causing infertility, including untreated sexually transmitted infections and smoking.

The World Health Organization encouraged each country to adapt these recommendations to its local conditions and to monitor the progress made.