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Infertility Among Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

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Handbook of Global Health

Abstract

Infertility is a neglected global health issue. Globally, an estimated 186 million couples struggle with infertility. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have disproportionately high rates of infertility. This chapter begins with a review of the burden of infertility in LMICs, its definitions, and the methodological challenges associated with its measurement. The main causes of infertility in LMICs include biological factors, especially infections resulting from pregnancy, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections. Infertility is associated with a multitude of negative psychological and social consequences for women, including stigma, marital instability, abuse, and financial hardship. A body of literature has revealed numerous traditional beliefs and practices in LMICs relating to perceived causes of infertility, also indicating that infertility is often managed through traditional healing methods, which may be more easily accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate than formal healthcare services. The history and benefits of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in LMICs are examined, highlighting ART’s role in the achievement of reproductive rights. ART remains inaccessible in much of the world, particularly those with the highest rates of infertility. While formidable barriers exist to providing ART in LMICs, the devastating impact of infertility warrants the expansion of low-cost ART. Key recommendations to better address this problem are presented, including increased commitment to its prevention.

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  1. Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Mellissa Withers

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  1. Mellissa Withers
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  1. Graduate Institute of International and Global Health Programme, Geneva, Switzerland

    Ilona Kickbusch

  2. Charité Foundation, Berlin, Germany

    Detlev Ganten

  3. World Health Organization, Regional Office, Brazzaville, Congo, Demographic Republic (Zaire)

    Matshidiso Moeti

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Withers, M. (2021). Infertility Among Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. In: Kickbusch, I., Ganten, D., Moeti, M. (eds) Handbook of Global Health. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45009-0_43

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