WHO's Global Guideline on Infertility
The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced its first-ever global guideline aimed at enhancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. This initiative calls for making fertility care safer, fairer, and more affordable worldwide.
Key Recommendations
- The guideline proposes 40 recommendations to fortify the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility.
- Promotes cost-effective options at each stage of fertility care.
- Advocates for the integration of fertility care into national health strategies, services, and financing.
- Emphasizes addressing key infertility risk factors such as untreated sexually transmitted infections and tobacco use.
- Encourages lifestyle interventions, including a healthy diet, physical activity, and tobacco cessation for those planning or attempting pregnancy.
Infertility Statistics and Challenges
- Infertility impacts 1 in 6 people of reproductive age globally.
- The condition is defined by the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse.
- Access to fertility care remains limited, with significant financial burdens on individuals in many regions.
- In some countries, a single round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can cost double the average annual household income.
Clinical Management and Support
- Provides guidance on clinical management pathways for diagnosing male and female infertility causes.
- Outlines treatment progression from simpler strategies to complex interventions like IVF.
- Stresses the importance of ongoing psychosocial support to manage the emotional impact of infertility.
Implementation and Collaboration
- WHO urges countries to tailor these recommendations to local contexts and monitor progress.
- Successful implementation requires collaboration across health ministries, societies, civil societies, and patient groups.
- Aligns with a rights-based approach to sexual and reproductive health, empowering informed decisions about childbearing.
WHO's Director-General highlights infertility as a significant public health challenge, urging nations to adopt this guideline to ensure affordable and respectful fertility care globally.
