Hum Reprod. 2026 May 8:deag029. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deag029. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
STUDY QUESTION: What updates of the International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care are required, to reflect contemporary scientific knowledge, social needs, and inclusive definitions, while harmonizing international communication across clinical, research, policy, and public domains?
SUMMARY ANSWER: This 4th edition presents 348 consensus-based terms and definitions, including numerous revisions from the previous edition and 79 newly introduced definitions reflecting advances in reproductive science, technology, and evolving social contexts.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Previous glossary editions (2006, 2009, 2017) established internationally recognized definitions related to clinical practice, research, and policy. The 2017 edition comprised 283 terms and, among many others, expanded the concept of infertility to include not only its recognition as a disease, but also as an impairment of function generating disability. 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.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Under guidance of the organizing committee, 21 professionals from across the world, and representing expertise in different sub-specialties, formed five working groups: clinical definitions; outcome measures; embryology laboratory; clinical and laboratory andrology; and epidemiology, public health and gender related definitions. The definitions from the previous glossary were evaluated and new terms identified. All definitions were then reviewed by an international advisory panel of nine experts that evaluated the glossary from scientific, ethical, cultural, and policy perspectives.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Between November 2024 and October 2025, periodical virtual meetings were held within and between working groups and the organizing committee. Following circulation of the first consensually agreed draft, a one-day in-person meeting with representatives of all working groups and members of the international advisory panel was held at ESHRE, June 2025. Most terms and definitions were discussed and agreed. In the absence of agreement, further discussions were held between the organizing committee, working group chairs and members of the advisory panel. It had been determined at the outset that final disagreement would be resolved via a two-third majority vote. All terms and definitions were, however, reached by consensus and adopted following a final round of review and approval by all authors.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The glossary now includes 348 terms. Compared to the previous edition, 14 terms were deleted, numerous terms modified and 79 new terms were added. Modifications reflect current scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and inclusivity related to gender and family structures. Chance does not play a role, as all definitions are consensus-based.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Some terms may require future refinement as scientific knowledge evolves and societal contexts change. The glossary reflects consensus rather than empirical testing of all definitions.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This glossary provides a global reference for standardized terminology, supporting clinical care, research, international comparisons, policy making, patient communication, and reproductive health literacy.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Neither ICMART, responsible for conducting this project, nor any of the participants received specific financial support for their activities in this project. Ferring provided ICMART with a fixed amount to cover venue costs and a one-day hotel accommodation for participants attending the in-person meeting held prior to the ESHRE Congress in June 2025. Disclosures were provided by all authors, and none reported any conflict of interest related to this manuscript.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.
PMID:42100799 | DOI:10.1093/humrep/deag029
