ArticleInternational journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics2026
The new WHO infertility guideline: A universal right to equitable, evidence-based fertility care.
Article in International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
The WHO 'Guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility' heralds a significant global shift towards recognizing infertility as a medical condition requiring prevention, diagnosis, treatment and policy support. This recognition is vital for the one in six people with infertility worldwide and for policymakers trying to address the societal consequences of fertility decline. The guideline's 40 recommendations and six good practice statements emphasize pragmatic diagnostic pathways, cost-effective interventions, psychosocial support and shared decision-making. Preventive measures, including fertility education, lifestyle counseling, smoking cessation and early management of sexually transmitted infections, are recommended in routine care to improve future reproductive health outcomes. The guideline aligns closely with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) vision for equitable, context-specific fertility care. FIGO supports adaptation of fertility services according to local resources while promoting access to fertility services irrespective of marital status, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic circumstances. Both WHO and FIGO advocate the incorporation of infertility care within national reproductive health strategies to improve access and affordability, particularly in low- and middle-resource settings. Compared with regional fertility society guidelines, the WHO recommendations prioritize scalable and affordable approaches suitable for diverse health systems. Although important gaps remain, including fertility preservation, third-party reproduction, and expanded guidance on male-factor infertility and endometriosis, this guideline provides a practical framework for clinical uptake across nations. Its greatest contribution is the reframing of infertility from a neglected and stigmatized condition to a public health priority within universal health coverage.
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