One in six people worldwide suffer from infertility: WHO

The UN health agency calls for cheaper and more accessible treatments to help those trying to start a family.

About one in six people globally are affected by infertility during their lifetime, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), which says more needs to be done to improve access to quality care. affordable, high-quality fertility.

The UN health agency says that around 17.5 percent of the adult population experiences infertility, with little variation in the prevalence of infertility between different parts of the world.

The 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,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said in a statement.

“The large proportion of people affected shows the need to expand access to fertility care and ensure that this issue is no longer neglected in health research and policy so that safe, effective and affordable ways to achieve paternity are available to those who seek it.

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of trying. For those affected, it can cause significant financial distress, stigma and hardship, affecting their mental and psychosocial well-being, the WHO said.

Most medical care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), remains underfunded and inaccessible to many due to high limited cost and availability.

Fertility treatments are often financed out of pocket.

The UN agency found in a separate report on the costs of infertility treatments that the direct medical costs paid by patients for a single round of IVF are often higher than the average annual income.

“Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs after seeking infertility treatment, making this a significant equity issue and, all too often, a medical poverty trap for those affected,” said Dr. Pascale. Allotey, WHO Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research. she said in the statement.

“Better policies and public financing can significantly improve access to treatment and, as a result, protect the poorest households from falling into poverty.”

The WHO report was based on studies on the global and regional prevalence of infertility from 1990 to 2021.