What is the WHO's stance on infertility as a public health issue?

The WHO recognizes infertility as a disease of the reproductive system and has released guidelines to address its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment as a public health priority.

Why is infertility considered a public health crisis?

Infertility affects 17.5% of the global population, a significant number that warrants public health attention and integration into national health plans due to its scale and impact.

What factors are contributing to rising infertility rates?

Rising infertility is linked to lifestyle changes, environmental stress, occupational exposures, air pollution, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, not just age.

Home / Health / Infertility: A Silent Global Health Crisis

Infertility: A Silent Global Health Crisis

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Infertility affects 17.5% of the global population, impacting more people than many recognized crises.
Access to diagnosis and treatment is limited, with high out-of-pocket costs and significant debt.
Rising infertility rates are linked to lifestyle, environment, and occupational exposures.

Infertility: A Silent Global Health Crisis

Infertility, a condition affecting approximately 17.5% of the global population, is emerging as a critical public health issue that demands greater recognition and action. This prevalence significantly surpasses that of several other conditions routinely addressed as health crises, yet infertility remains largely absent from national health strategies worldwide.

The journey for individuals experiencing infertility is often fraught with significant challenges, including limited access to timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Fertility care is predominantly self-funded, frequently imposing a considerable financial burden that leads many to incur debt or abandon treatment altogether. The emotional toll, characterized by anxiety, stigma, and isolation, is equally profound, with mental health support rarely integrated into existing care pathways.