The World Health Organization has issued its first guidelines on infertility, considering it a neglected public health challenge, and urged that treatment be made available at affordable prices 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. However, access to health care is very limited and varies significantly between countries.
The organization stated that:
- “The costs of treatment are often borne by the person affected by infertility, leading to exorbitant financial expenses.”
- “In some countries, a single cycle of in vitro fertilization may cost twice the average annual household income.”
Infertility is a global risk
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a statement: “Infertility is one of the most overlooked public health challenges of our time, and represents a major issue in terms of equality globally.”
He added that millions of men and women face this condition alone, and are forced to choose between having children and financial security, or resorting to cheaper but unproven treatment options.
The organization defines infertility as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex.
The organization stressed that treatment is not limited to in vitro fertilization, but includes all procedures that primary health care workers can take to help couples or individuals conceive, including providing advice to change lifestyles such as quitting smoking.
It explained that the guidelines include 40 recommendations for countries aimed at making fertility care safer, fairer and more affordable for all.
In addition to these measures, the organization pointed to the importance of improving awareness efforts about factors that affect fertility, such as age, along with providing support for those facing the social stigma and pressures resulting from treatment.
