Why the WHO’s first global infertility guideline is a game changer for reproductive health worldwide

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by WHO, click this post to read the original article.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guideline focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating infertility. If you or someone you know faces fertility challenges, this guidance offers hope. Infertility affects about one in six people of reproductive age, yet access to care remains limited. In many countries, high treatment costs are paid out-of-pocket, sometimes surpassing an average household’s annual income—making fertility services out of reach for millions.

In this new guideline, WHO provides 40 recommendations aimed at making fertility care safer, fairer, and more affordable. You’ll find advice on cost-effective prevention and treatment strategies, as well as calls to integrate fertility services into national health systems. The recommendations encourage providing people-centered, science-based care that respects your dignity and choices, regardless of your financial status.

Beyond medical treatment, the guideline emphasizes your need for psychosocial support. Infertility can cause stress, anxiety, and isolation, and WHO is pushing for ongoing emotional care alongside clinical help. The guidance also underlines the importance of education on fertility, especially early in life, to help you make informed reproductive decisions. Lifestyle changes like quitting tobacco and eating well are also advised for those trying to conceive.

The WHO is urging countries to adapt these recommendations within their local healthcare systems. Implementing these changes won’t be easy—it’ll require coordinated efforts from governments, healthcare providers, and communities. But if successful, you’ll have better access to reproductive health services based on gender equality and human rights. WHO also plans to expand future guidelines with more research into fertility preservation and complex reproductive options.