The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2025

Abstract

Previous editions of the International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care (2006, 2009, 2017) established internationally recognized definitions related to clinical practice, research, and policy. The 2017 edition comprised 283 terms and, among many other changes, expanded the definition of infertility to include not only its recognition as a disease causing disability, but also as resulting from an impairment of a person’s capacity to reproduce either as an individual or with his/her partner. The glossary has been extensively used worldwide and has contributed to international standardization of data collection, appropriate comparison of outcome measures, and provided a reference for all stakeholders, including policy makers. Updates are now required to reflect contemporary scientific knowledge, social needs, and inclusive definitions, while harmonizing international communication across clinical, research, policy, and public domains OBJECTIVE: To update the latest International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2017 to reflect current scientific knowledge, evolving social contexts, and inclusive terminology, thereby promoting harmonized international communication across clinical, research, policy, and public domains.