Infertility affects millions of individuals and couples around the world, and its impact goes far beyond medical challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is now recognized as a major global health concern – one that requires improved access to care, support, and safe clinical pathways for patients everywhere.
In this article, we highlight the essential findings from the WHO’s latest infertility fact sheet and explore why reliable cryogenic transport plays a meaningful role in supporting international fertility care.
🌍 How Common Is Infertility?
The WHO defines infertility as the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Globally:
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Around one in six people of reproductive age will experience infertility during their lifetime.
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An estimated 48 million couples and up to 186 million individuals are affected worldwide.
These numbers show that infertility is not rare – it is a widespread health issue that touches nearly every community.
🔍 Understanding the Causes of Infertility
Infertility can be caused by factors affecting either partner, or a combination of both. In many cases, no clear cause is identified, even after comprehensive evaluation.
Causes in Women may include:
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Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
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Uterine disorders such as fibroids or congenital anomalies
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Endometriosis
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Hormonal and ovarian disorders (e.g., PCOS)
Causes in Men may include:
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Low sperm count or low motility
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Poor sperm morphology
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Hormonal imbalances
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Anatomical issues affecting sperm production or transport
In a significant proportion of cases, infertility remains unexplained, which adds complexity for both patients and clinicians.
🏥 Infertility Care Is Essential Reproductive Healthcare
WHO emphasizes that infertility care – including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment – should be considered an integral part of reproductive health.
But despite this, access to fertility care remains highly unequal:
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In many regions, treatment is limited or unavailable.
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Financial barriers prevent many individuals from accessing IVF or related services.
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Regulatory restrictions in certain countries may limit procedures or treatment options.
This forces many patients to look beyond their borders for the care they need.
✈️ Why Safe Cross-Border Transport Matters
As more patients seek fertility treatment abroad, the need for secure, compliant cryogenic transport of reproductive cells has become increasingly important.
Whether moving eggs, sperm, or embryos, maintaining stable, uninterrupted cryogenic conditions is essential for protecting sample integrity. WHO’s findings reinforce how critical it is to safeguard biological materials throughout their entire journey.
At IVF Couriers, we support this global need by providing:
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Hand-carry, clinic-to-clinic delivery
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Strict temperature control at -190°C
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No X-ray exposure
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Dedicated couriers (one client per courier)
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Full chain-of-custody documentation
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International compliance guidance
By ensuring that samples remain safe and stable, we help patients access fertility care wherever they need it – without compromise.
💙 Supporting Patients on a Global Scale
Infertility is not just a statistic – it is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. WHO’s recognition of infertility as a global health priority highlights the need for accessible, reliable, and compassionate support systems.
As part of the international fertility ecosystem, we are committed to:
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Helping patients overcome geographical and regulatory barriers
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Supporting clinics with clear communication and secure logistics
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Ensuring every cryogenic journey is safe, compliant, and handled with care
When patients choose cross-border fertility treatment, they deserve a service that supports them fully – every step of the way.