A new report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime.
According to the WHO report, around 17.5% of the world’s adult population – 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility.
The report highlights the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need.
The new estimates show limited variation in the prevalence of infertility between regions.
Further, the report reveals that the infertility rates are comparable for high-, middle- and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major health challenge globally.
Lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries.
“The report reveals an important truth: infertility does not discriminate,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO.
“The sheer proportion of people affected shows the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy so that safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available for those who seek it.”
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WHO defines Infertility as a disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
The world health body says infertility can cause significant distress, stigma, and financial hardship, affecting people’s mental and psychosocial well-being.
Solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility – including assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) – remain underfunded and inaccessible to many due to high costs, social stigma and limited availability.
“Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs after seeking infertility treatment, making this a major equity issue and all too often, a medical poverty trap for those affected,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, including the United Nations Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).
“Better policies and public financing can significantly improve access to treatment and protect poorer households from falling into poverty as a result.”
