Khaberni - The World Health Organization, for the first time, has issued guidelines to enhance the prevention of infertility that affects millions of people around the world, and to improve its diagnosis and treatment.
The Director of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health at the World Health Organization, Pascal Allotey, told reporters, "One in every six people in the world suffers from infertility during their lifetime," indicating that "this issue affects individuals and couples from various regions and income levels, yet access to safe and affordable care remains highly unequal."
She added, "The topic of infertility has been neglected for far too long, and countries, doctors, and patient associations are demanding clear guidelines. Therefore, this guide provides a uniform framework based on reliable evidence to ensure that fertility treatments are safe, effective, and available to all who need them."
According to the World Health Organization, infertility is a disease affecting the male or female reproductive system, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. This condition can cause considerable psychological distress and social stigma in addition to financial costs.
In many countries, patients bear the brunt of the cost of examinations and treatments, forcing them to spend significant amounts. The World Health Organization said, "In some cases, one cycle of artificial insemination may cost twice the average annual income of a family."
The organization published 40 recommendations last Friday calling for the integration of fertility into national health strategies, services, and financing. These recommendations set guidelines for the provision of effective clinical care, from diagnosis to treatment.
The organization emphasized the importance of diagnosing male infertility, which is often overlooked, and provided guidelines ranging from adopting simpler therapeutic strategies—where doctors initially offer advice on fertility periods and their enhancement without effective treatment—to more complex treatments such as intrauterine insemination or artificial insemination.
It is also advised to increase investment in prevention, with the recommendation to address the main risk factors causing infertility, including untreated sexually transmitted diseases and smoking.
The World Health Organization encouraged every country to adapt these recommendations to its local conditions and monitor the progress made.
