One in six people worldwide affected by infertility: WHO

Infertility is a widespread health issue that affects millions of couples around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in six people globally experience difficulties in conceiving a child. It can have significant physical, emotional, and social consequences, and it is crucial to understand the scope of this issue to provide adequate support and care to those who are affected. In this article, we will explore the key findings of the WHO’s report, including its causes, risk factors, and impact on individuals and societies.

Understanding Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It can affect both men and women, and in about one-third of cases, it is attributed to female factors, one-third to male factors, and one-third to a combination of both or unexplained causes.

Causes of Infertility

Infertility can have various causes, including:

1. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hormonal imbalances can affect fertility in women. In men, medical conditions such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and erectile dysfunction can impact fertility.
2. Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can also contribute it in both men and women.
3. Advanced maternal age: The age of a woman can also affect fertility, with a decline in fertility after the age of 35 due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs.
4. Genetic factors: Genetic abnormalities can affect fertility in both men and women. These can be inherited or acquired during a person’s lifetime.
5. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, radiation, and chemicals in the workplace or the environment can also affect fertility.

Risk Factors for Infertility

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing infertility, including:

1. Age: As mentioned earlier, advanced maternal age is a significant risk factor in women.
2. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Certain STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, leading to this disease in women.
3. Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use can impair fertility in both men and women.
4. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can disrupt hormonal balance in the body and affect fertility in both men and women.
5. Occupational hazards: Exposure to chemicals, radiation, and other occupational hazards in certain industries can affect fertility in both men and women.

Impact of Infertility

It can have significant physical, emotional, and social consequences for individuals and societies. The inability to conceive a child can cause distress, anxiety, and depression, and can strain relationships, leading to marital discord and social isolation. Individuals experiencing it may also face stigma and discrimination from their communities, which can further exacerbate their emotional distress. In some cultures, it is associated with shame and can result in ostracization and abandonment by families and communities.

Infertility can also have economic implications. The cost of fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive techniques can be prohibitive for many couples, limiting their access to care. Additionally, the burden of infertility on healthcare systems, including diagnostic tests, treatments, and psychological support, can be substantial.

The societal impact of infertility cannot be overlooked either. In many societies, having children is considered a social norm and is associated with social status, cultural and religious expectations, and the preservation of family lineage. The inability to conceive a child can result in societal pressure, discrimination, and isolation, particularly for women who may face gender-based discrimination and blame for infertility. In some cultures, infertility can even lead to divorce, abandonment, or being labeled as “barren,” resulting in social and psychological trauma.

Addressing the Issue

Infertility is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach for effective management. Here are a few areas that need attention:

1. Awareness and Education: Creating awareness about infertility, its causes, risk factors, and available treatment options is crucial to combat misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination associated with infertility. Educating individuals, communities, and healthcare providers about infertility can promote early detection, timely intervention, and appropriate support for those affected.
2. Access to Healthcare: Ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare, including diagnostic tests and fertility treatments, is vital to address infertility.
3. Psychological Support: Providing counseling and psychological support to individuals and couples experiencing infertility can help them cope with the emotional distress, reduce stigma, and improve mental well-being.
4. Lifestyle Interventions: Encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular physical activity, can contribute to better fertility outcomes.
5. Workplace Policies: Employers should provide a safe and healthy work environment, minimize exposure to chemicals and radiation, and ensure access to reproductive health services.
6. Social Support: Providing social support and understanding to individuals and couples experiencing infertility can help reduce stigma and discrimination.

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Conclusion

Infertility is a significant global health issue that affects one in six people worldwide. It has physical, emotional, and social consequences for individuals and societies. Creating awareness, ensuring access to healthcare, providing psychological support, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, implementing workplace policies, providing social support, and advocating for policy changes are crucial steps to address infertility effectively.