History

International co-operation and dialogue in the field of Fertility and Sterility can be said to have truly commenced in 1951, in Rio de Janeiro, with the formation of the International Fertility Association (IFA).  Eminent scientists from various parts of the world became members and triennial World Conferences in Fertility and Sterility were organized, with the first being in New York USA in 1953.  This was followed by Naples, Italy in 1955, Vienna, Austria in 1959, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1962.  The Fifth World Congress was held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1966.

At the sixth World Conference, held in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1968, the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) was born.  The International Fertility Association remained as an affiliate to represent members with no national society.  A constitution and by-laws were drawn up and today govern the actions of the IFFS.

Memberships have grown and at present 55 National Fertility Societies are affiliated.  It is estimated over 40,000 specialists worldwide in the areas of Fertility and Sterility are brought together under IFFS.

World Congresses