For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published guidelines to prevent infertility, which affects millions of people worldwide, and to improve its diagnosis and treatment. According to WHO, infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Dr. Pascale Allotie, Director of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Department at WHO, told journalists: "One in six people in the world experience infertility in their lifetime." She noted that "this problem affects individuals and couples from all regions and income levels, yet access to safe and affordable care remains highly inequitable." She added: "The issue of infertility has been neglected for a very long time, and countries, doctors, and patient associations are asking for clear guidance. This situation can cause severe psychological suffering and social stigma, not to mention financial costs. In many countries, patients bear the brunt of the costs of tests and treatments, forcing them to spend large sums." According to WHO, "in some cases, a single cycle of in vitro fertilization can cost more than double the average annual household income." On Friday, the organization issued 40 recommendations calling for the integration of fertility into national health strategies, services, and financing. These guidelines provide directions for delivering effective clinical care, from diagnosis to treatment. The WHO emphasized the importance of diagnosing male infertility, which is often overlooked, and provided guidance ranging from simpler treatment approaches, where doctors first advise on fertility periods and enhancement without active treatment, to more complex ones such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. It also recommended increasing investment in prevention by addressing key risk factors for infertility, including untreated sexually transmitted infections and smoking. The World Health Organization encouraged every country to adapt these recommendations to its local context and to monitor the progress made.
