A new survey has revealed that only 50 per cent of people know about in vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a treatment for infertility.

The research by the Bertarelli Foundation also found that about four out of ten people know of a family member or close friend who has suffered from infertility.

The foundation, a private, non-for-profit organisation which aims to improve knowledge and understanding of infertility, carried out the international survey, the first of its type, to test public perceptions of infertility and the different methods of treating it.

It was carried out in six European countries, the US and in Australia questioning more than 8,000 people.

Across the world between 50 and 80 million men and women suffer from infertility. One couple in six experiences difficulties in conceiving a child naturally.

According to the World Health Organisation, the problem has reached such high levels in some areas that it can be considered a public health issue, affecting a country's family and social fabric.

Because many of those polled believed there was a lack of quality information available about infertility and IVF, the foundation plans to launch a new multilingual website in July - www.fertilityworld.org.

See also

Gene to blame for IVF failures?