Written by: Saira Loane
Edited by: Lucy Ahern and Megan Thomas
Infertility affects 1 in 6 people globally, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed health challenges [1]. Medically, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. In approximately 85% of cases, a specific cause can be identified, most commonly ovulatory dysfunction, male factor infertility, or tubal disease. The remaining 15% are classified as “unexplained infertility.” Additionally, lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, obesity, and chronic stress can negatively impact fertility in both men and women [1].
Despite the global scale of this issue, access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment including assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) remains limited and unequal. High treatment costs, social stigma, and insufficient availability continue to prevent many individuals from receiving the fertility support they need [1]. While these challenges persist, the arena of reproductive health is beginning to shift. Modern technology and treatments have significantly improved reproductive health outcomes, offering new hope to individuals and couples striving to start or expand their families. From personalised medicines to AI-integrated technologies, innovations are being used to study vast data on patient outcomes, treatment efficacy, and embryo viability [2].
However, even with this growing wave of innovation, barriers such as financial inequality, delayed diagnoses, and emotional toll persist, highlighting the urgent need for both systemic reform and inclusive technology.
Women often face long waiting periods (18 or even 52+ weeks), for reproductive health diagnoses, especially for conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). NHS England’s Reforming Elective Care for Patients plan (2025) outlines ambitions to provide more timely and accurate diagnostic testing, aiming to meet the 18-week referral-to-treatment standard and reform elective services, which includes women’s reproductive health conditions [3]. However, more work is needed. Women's voices need to be considered and listened to, and there should be more focus on improving health education, and expanding access to specialised care.
Financial barriers further complicate the situation. Access to NHS-funded IVF varies greatly depending on local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) policies, creating a so-called “postcode lottery” that leads to inequity in who receives treatment. This lack of standardisation has been widely reported and critiqued by outlets such as the Financial Times and tools like fertility mapper [4].
Male fertility, which contributes to around 50% of infertility cases, remains significantly underrepresented in both clinical care and public discourse [5]. Men often face emotional challenges and a lack of support when dealing with fertility issues, yet services and campaigns rarely address their needs adequately [6].
The emotional and psychological toll of infertility is often underestimated. Stigma around infertility can lead to social isolation and significant mental health challenges. Studies show that 90% of people facing long-term infertility experience depression, and 42% have had suicidal thoughts. This emotional burden is compounded by the limited availability of appropriate mental health resources and support networks [6].
While the barriers to fertility care are numerous and multifaceted, technological advances are steadily reshaping the field. Some innovations have already transformed infertility treatment, while others are emerging and hold the promise of more personalised and effective solutions in the future.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Developed in the late 1970s, IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body, then transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. It significantly improved success rates for infertility related to blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and unexplained causes.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Introduced in the 1990s, ICSI is a specialised form of IVF in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. It has been especially transformative for severe male infertility, including low sperm count or poor motility, and has opened new possibilities for affected couples [7,8].
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI is revolutionising embryo selection by using image recognition and predictive algorithms to identify embryos with the highest chance of successful implantation. This reduces subjectivity, improves IVF success rates, and enhances overall treatment outcomes [9].
Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology: CRISPR technology allows for precise gene editing in embryos, offering the potential to correct inherited genetic disorders before implantation. While still experimental and ethically complex, CRISPR presents a promising avenue for preventing heritable diseases and enhancing reproductive outcomes [10].
Several startups and companies are at the forefront of transforming infertility care, making it more accessible and inclusive. These organisations are developing innovative solutions that address challenges related to diagnostics, financial barriers, and workplace support.
U-Ploid Biotechnologies (2024): Focuses on developing novel therapeutics to enhance egg quality and improve outcomes for women facing age-related infertility. Their treatments are designed to integrate seamlessly with IVF protocols. The company recently partnered with Care Fertility to further its clinical research.
Hertility Health (2019): A women’s health company that offers at-home hormone and fertility testing. Their services aim to diagnose and manage reproductive health conditions such as PCOS before seeking treatment. As of late 2024, approximately 520,000 women have used Hertility's health assessments, with 72,000 ordering their kits. The company is preparing to raise up to $20 million in funding.
Mojo (2017): Mojo is a health tech startup using AI to deliver at-home semen analysis. The company developed a proprietary robotic microscope and software platform that provides clinical-grade sperm analysis with 97% accuracy, based on WHO standards. Mojo helps reduce barriers to male fertility testing by offering privacy, convenience, and clinically validated results
Fertifa (2019): Fertifa partners with employers to offer comprehensive reproductive health benefits, including fertility treatments and menopause support. Their goal is to make fertility care more accessible through workplace initiatives, particularly for employees who might otherwise face financial or logistical challenges in accessing care.
ExSeed Health (2017): ExSeed Health has developed a home-based sperm analysis kit that allows men to assess their fertility health conveniently and privately. This innovation helps to overcome the stigma surrounding male infertility and encourages men to take an active role in their fertility journey.
Infertility affects 1 in 6 people worldwide - it no longer needs to remain misunderstood or under-discussed. With collaboration between health tech, policymakers, employers, and patients, innovation can transform barriers into opportunities, replacing silence and stigma with support and solutions, and giving individuals and couples everywhere the chance to pursue family building with dignity and hope. Startups and innovators are making care more accessible and personalised, but progress must reach everyone regardless of income, geography, or gender.
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