India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Infertility, historically regarded as a personal challenge and costly medical issue, is now prominently featured on the global public-health agenda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its inaugural global guideline regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility, an initiative designed to make fertility care safer, more equitable, and accessible for millions who presently encounter stigma, delays, or costly treatments.
The WHO describes infertility as the “inability to conceive after 12 months or longer of consistent unprotected sexual activity.” It impacts roughly one in six individuals of reproductive age, and an estimated 17.5 percent of individuals will face infertility at some stage in their lives, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.
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“Infertility is one of the most overlooked public health challenges of our time and a major equity issue globally,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Millions face this journey alone — priced out of care, pushed toward unproven treatments, or forced to choose between their hopes of having children and their financial security,” he added.
Apart from the medical challenges, infertility imposes a significant emotional and societal weight. People and partners frequently experience stigma, loneliness, and worry. Women face significant vulnerability, with 36 percent of those dealing with infertility subjected to intimate partner violence each year.
The expense of fertility treatments creates considerable stress. In numerous situations, treatments are financed privately, and one IVF cycle can surpass the typical yearly household income, driving families into debt or halting treatment completely.Instead of concentrating only on sophisticated treatment, WHO emphasizes prevention and early education. The guideline suggests incorporating fertility awareness into educational institutions, primary healthcare, and reproductive health services.
