On 28 November 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the first-ever global guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility.

The statistics are striking: 1 in 6 people of reproductive age—around 17–18% of the adult population worldwide—will experience infertility at some point in their lives. Yet, access to fertility care remains highly restricted. In many countries, treatments rely on out-of-pocket payments, and a single cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can exceed the average annual household income, placing it out of reach for families with limited resources.

Infertility is not only a medical issue—it carries profound social, economic, and psychological consequences. Women, in particular, often face stigma, social pressure, and, in some cases, discrimination or violence.

These realities highlight the urgent need for fertility research. Epidemiological studies are crucial to quantify true prevalence, identify risk factors, and understand how global health conditions—such as obesity, hormonal disorders, environmental pollution, and lifestyle—affect reproductive health. At the same time, molecular and cellular research is essential to uncover biomarkers of reproductive potential, optimize treatments, reduce the need for multiple assisted reproduction cycles, and make fertility care more effective and accessible.

At UMIB, we see infertility as a pressing public health, social, and scientific challenge. The new WHO guidelines mark a pivotal moment, driving research, informing policy, and improving access to care for the millions affected worldwide.

See more: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-11-2025-who-issues-first-global-guideline-on-infertility.