Misaligned delivery of sexual health, fertility and contraception services are forcing individuals to face delays in receiving the care they need.
A scientific statement, jointly developed by the IFFS (International Federation of Fertility Societies) and the ISA (International Society of Andrology), authored by international specialists in fertility and andrology, has been published jointly in the International Journal of Gynaecology & Obstetrics and in Andrology, outlining why services must be coordinated so that individuals receive a continuum of care, whichever outcome is desired.
As men in general are less likely to attend for either contraceptive or fertility advice, this scientific Statement aims to bring the male into the bigger picture of contraception, fertility and sexual health.
The International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) represents clinicians and researchers across more than 70 countries and is a leading voice in shaping global fertility policy. Dr Marcos Horton, president of the IFFS and one of the co‑authors of the publication, says that the report highlights the urgent need for change. “We are facing a global fertility crisis, and fragmented services are making it harder for couples to get the help they need. If we carry on as we are, many will continue to face barriers to equitable access.”
Dr Horton says coordinated, couple-centred care relies on streamlined services that guide both partners through the system, including measures such as joint assessment, shared information, multidisciplinary team engagement, sexual health inclusion, and referral routes and equal access to care.
The ISA is a global organisation for clinicians and scientists in male reproductive health, including infertility, sexual function and contraception. Dr Csilla Krausz, ISA president, notes men are often left out of care. Because male factors contribute to about half of fertility issues, timely diagnosis is essential to identify the right treatment and help couples conceive. Additionally, Andrology consultations can also reveal genetic factors relevant to future children, along with hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors that affect a man’s reproductive and long-term health. Dr Krausz emphasises that, although male sexual function and fertility are closely linked, men rarely receive the support they need.
“The IFFS/ISA recommendations show why proper assessment of both partners, including semen analysis, sexualfunction support and better male contraceptive options, must be built into every pathway,” said Dr Krausz.
In this publication, IFFS and ISA are calling on healthcare leaders and policymakers to adopt these recommendations as a standard package of care, arguing that reproductive autonomy and equal access for both partners should be core components of universal health coverage.
The chairs of the two global scientific organisations stress the importance of this document as an example of how worldwide collaboration may improve clinical practice from diagnosis to treatment and ultimately for the safety of patients and the benefit of societies.
“These guidelines give services a clear, practical framework they can begin adopting now,” added Dr Marcos Horton. “Many of the recommendations, such as joint assessments and coordinated referral routes, can be introduced within existing structures. If leaders act on this, couples will see improvements quickly.”
IFFS and ISA thank the two teams from all around the globe that contributed to the original idea and to the realisation of the project, and to the national societies that endorsed it.
