WHO Issues New Global Guideline on Infertility, Warns Tobacco Use Causes Infertility in Men, Women

WHO Issues New Global Guideline on Infertility, Warns Tobacco Use Causes Infertility in Men, Women

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to make fertility care safer, more equitable, and affordable, warning that infertility affects 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide.

In its first-ever global guideline on infertility prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, released on Friday, the WHO cautioned that access to fertility services remains severely limited despite rising demand. It revealed that in some countries, a single round of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) costs more than double the average annual household income.

The organisation also highlighted the dangers of tobacco use, stressing that smoking causes infertility in both men and women. According to the WHO, nicotine damages genetic material in both eggs and sperm, posing serious reproductive risks.

The WHO quoted its Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, describing infertility as “one of the most overlooked public health challenges of our time” and a major global equity issue.

“Millions face this journey alone — priced out of care, pushed toward unproven treatments, or forced to choose between their dreams of having children and their financial security,” Dr Ghebreyesus said. He urged countries to adopt the new guideline to expand access to affordable, respectful, science-based fertility care.

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The guideline contains 40 recommendations designed to strengthen infertility prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It advocates for integrating fertility care into national health strategies and expanding cost-effective options at every stage of care.

It also offers clear clinical pathways for diagnosing male and female infertility, progressing from basic fertility advice and cycle monitoring to advanced treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and IVF.

The WHO emphasised the importance of early education on fertility and infertility, urging countries to incorporate this into school curricula, primary health care, and reproductive health services. It called for increased investment in prevention, including public awareness about risk factors such as untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and smoking.

Lifestyle changes—such as healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco cessation—were recommended for individuals or couples planning a pregnancy.

Recognising the emotional impact of infertility, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation, the WHO stressed the need for continuous psychosocial support.

The organisation encouraged governments to adapt the recommendations to local conditions and promote collaboration across health ministries, professional bodies, civil society, and patient groups. It further urged countries to empower people with information to make informed reproductive decisions.

WHO Issues New Global Guideline on Infertility, Warns Tobacco Use Causes Infertility in Men, Women