Large numbers of people will be affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published by the World Health Organization. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility.

The new estimates show limited variation in the prevalence of infertility between regions. The rates are comparable for high-, middle- and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major health challenge globally. Lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries.

“The report reveals an important truth: infertility does not discriminate,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO. “The sheer proportion of people affected show the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy, so that safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available for those who seek it.”

Read more -https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2023-1-in-6-people-globally-affected-by-infertility