A Public Health Focus on Infertility Prevention, Detection, and Management

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Maurizio Macaluso M.D., Dr.P.H.,^a Tracie J. Wright-Schnapp M.P.H.,^a Anjani Chandra Ph.D.,^bRobert Johnson M.D., M.P.H.,^c Catherine L. Satterwhite M.S.P.H., M.P.H.,^cAmy Pulver M.A., M.B.A.,^c Stuart M. Berman M.D., Sc.M.,^cRichard Y. Wang D.O.,^d Sherry L. Farr M.S.P.H., Ph.D.,^a and Lori A. Pollack M.D., M.P.H.,^f [Received 15 August 2008; revised 8 September 2008; accepted 9 September 2008. Available online 6 November 2008.]

In 2002, 2 million American women of reproductive age were infertile. Infertility is also common among men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts surveillance and research on the causes of infertility, monitors the safety and efficacy of infertility treatment, and sponsors national prevention programs. A CDC-wide working group found that, despite this effort, considerable gaps and opportunities exist in surveillance, research, communication, and program and policy development. We intend to consult with other federal agencies, professional and consumer organizations, the scientific community, the health care community, industry, and other stakeholders, and participate in the development of a national public health plan for the prevention, detection, and management of infertility.

^a. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
^b. Division of Vital Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
^c. Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
^d. Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
^f. Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.