Written by Jessica Hobbis. Reviewed by Dr Phoebe Howells (January 2026).

We understand how difficult it can be to stay on top of the latest research and developments in the fertility space, especially considering how busy 2025 has been for everyone. So, we have pulled together a list of some notable advances, discussions, or identified gaps, to give you a rounded view of what we have taken away from 2025.

1. The WHO Updated Guidelines. 

What is it

The WHO (World Health Organisation) published its first-ever global guideline on infertility. With infertility being estimated to now impact 1 in 6 people of reproductive age at some point in their lives, and the WHO Director-General describing infertility as “one of the most overlooked public health challenges of our time and a major equity issue globally”,; this is a clear response by the WHO to such a rising concern. 

The guidelines comprise 40 recommendations aimed at “strengthening the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility”. These prioritise evidence-based prevention and early lifestyle intervention recommendations, as well as recognising the emotional, physical and financial burden of infertility. 

OVUM’s Take: 

The WHO recognising infertility in this way marks a considerable jump in attitudes and policies towards treating it with the same standards we apply to other chronic health challenges. 

Furthermore, the focus on lifestyle advice as a first step in addressing infertility concerns is incredibly significant. All too often, factors such as diet, weight, alcohol, and exercise are not addressed before escalating to treatment. We at OVUM feel strongly that lifestyle and behaviour can make a meaningful impact on reproductive health and constitute an essential part of the picture. We often highlight the importance of the 90 days it takes for the egg to mature and for sperm to develop, during which lifestyle can be critical in the health of these cells. Treatments, of course, can still play a role, but supporting them with lifestyle and daily habits can be key in redefining how we practise fertility care.  

2. Lack of evidence remains. 

What is it

RBMO stands for Reproductive BioMedicine Online. It is a peer-reviewed scientific journal, being one of the most established journals globally and therefore a highly trusted source of information and research. The RMBO newsletter provides summaries of some of the latest research, discussions and emerging themes within the space. A recent RBMO newsletter has highlighted how little “pharmaceutical-grade” evidence exists for many preconception supplements. 

So what counts as “pharmaceutical-grade” evidence, and what is a ‘RCT’? A RCT is a Randomised Controlled Trial and is considered to be the ‘gold-standard’ of conducting a trial. This is because participants are randomly assigned a group, either that of the intervention being tested, or the placebo group. Neither the participants or the researchers know which group has received the intervention, reducing the likelihood of any bias. This matters as it allows for interventions (such as the effects of specific nutrients) to be fairly tested and properly evaluated for their potential effects. 

The RMBO explains the gap in research for specific nutrients, highlighting that of over 500 studies that appeared to be relevant for their analysis, only five studies met the criteria for the review, all of these relating to either CoQ10 or Resveratrol. These results appeared to be positive; however, even in these trials, the researchers could not make clear recommendations due to variations across factors such as whether the individual had a reproductive condition or not. 

OVUM’s Take: 

At OVUM, we agree that evidence is key. The absence of large drug-style trials doesn’t mean a lack of science. Decades of research show that key micronutrients such as Folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium and Omega-3s all play distinct, biologically proven roles in reproductive health, from oocyte quality to implantation. 

What’s also important is genuinely following the research that we do have. This means taking the optimal doses as recommended by the evidence, and is exactly why OVUM has utilised a combined total of over 670 studies in its design of Time to Conceive® For Women and Time to Conceive® For Men. 

We also agree with RBMO’s conclusion: a balanced diet remains the foundation. But correcting widespread nutrient insufficiencies before conception is one of the simplest, safest ways to optimise reproductive readiness.

This is a reminder that nutrition science rarely fits into a clear RCT, therefore it requires analysis of widespread literature, in order to provide evidenced and well-balanced conclusions that genuinely support reproductive health. 

3. Trusted Sources: 

What is it: 

PIF TICK has remained dedicated to providing reliable information. PIF TICK is the gold standard for health information in the UK, and is awarded to organisations whose information meets 10 strict criteria for accuracy, clarity, evidence, and accessibility. 

In their piece, ‘Trusted Voices: Health Misinformation Watch - women’s health’, PIF (the organisation behind PIF TICK) stresses the need for high-quality information on women’s health. This sector in particular is filled with misinformation from unreliable sources, and this article aims to counter some of the common misconceptions that circulate on social media. 

OVUM’s Take: 

As the only fertility brand with the PIF TICK accreditation, OVUM is, of course, utterly committed to evidence-backed, trustworthy information. We therefore remain heartened by the work of organisations such as PIF in making a real commitment to dispelling myths and prioritising reliable information over hype. In a world increasingly dominated by trends, virality and polarisation, we have a moral responsibility to do better and counter this. 

4. England’s First Men’s Health Strategy

What is it: 

As discussed in our International Men’s Day blog post, we welcomed the release of the first Men’s Health Strategy for England in November. For more details on this, head over to the blog.

OVUM’s Take: 

The strategy is a key reflection of a mindset shift, repositioning male fertility from being an afterthought to a core component of fertility. While the strategy itself does not deliver specific policies, it is an excellent springboard and set of intent for the new year. OVUM is committed to showing that conception is not something that should sit entirely with the egg, with the sperm constituting half of the DNA in the resulting embryo. The release of our Time to Conceive® For Men mirrors more than two years of research and development, and we are incredibly proud of it. 

Key Takeaways

• 2025 has marked a clear mindset shift towards prioritising reproductive health and taking this more seriously. While real action is yet to come, this step offers a real opportunity for the sector as a whole. 

• Research gaps remain a considerable challenge for reproductive science and for how this translates into advice. RCTs are the gold standard of trial design, but are expensive to fund and are therefore often not carried out. This doesn’t mean we don’t have meaningful evidence, but that explicit consensus and understanding of nuance can be missed. OVUM remains committed to changing this through donating 20% of profits to fertility awareness campaigns and research. 

• It is positive to see that male fertility is starting to be included in the conversation. With male factor infertility being involved in 50% of infertility cases, it makes clear sense that men should be a key part of research, interventions and policy.