Retraction & Corrections

The International Journal of Sexual Health, Fertility and Reproductive Medicine is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the scholarly record. When significant errors or concerns are identified in a published article, the journal may take appropriate corrective action.

1. Corrections

A correction may be published when an article contains an error that affects the accuracy or clarity of the published record but does not invalidate the main findings or conclusions.

Corrections may include:

  • Author name or affiliation errors.

  • Typographical or formatting errors.

  • Incorrect figures, tables, or captions.

  • Errors in references or bibliographic information.

  • Errors in clinical, scientific, or methodological information requiring clarification.

  • Other significant errors that can be corrected without withdrawing the article.

A correction notice should clearly identify the affected article and describe the correction made.

2. Retraction

An article may be considered for retraction when serious concerns affect the reliability, originality, or integrity of the published research.

Possible reasons include:

  • Fabrication or falsification of data.

  • Significant plagiarism.

  • Duplicate or redundant publication.

  • Serious errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions.

  • Unethical research practices.

  • Violation of participant privacy or confidentiality.

  • Manipulation of the peer-review or publication process.

  • Serious undisclosed conflicts of interest.

  • Other confirmed forms of research misconduct.

3. Retraction Notice

When an article is retracted, the journal will provide a clear retraction notice explaining the reason for the action and identifying the affected publication.

The original article may remain accessible as part of the scholarly record but should be clearly identified as retracted.

4. Author-Initiated Corrections

Authors who identify a significant error in their published work should promptly notify the editorial team.

The journal will assess the issue and determine whether a correction, expression of concern, or retraction is appropriate.

5. Post-Publication Concerns

Authors, reviewers, readers, researchers, or other concerned individuals may report potential errors or research-integrity issues to the editorial team.

Concerns should be supported with relevant information or evidence whenever possible, particularly where they involve research data, clinical information, participant privacy, ethics, or publication integrity.

6. Editorial Assessment

The editorial team will evaluate reported concerns objectively and fairly. Where necessary, additional information may be requested from authors, reviewers, institutions, ethics committees, or other relevant parties before a decision is made.

Particular care will be taken when concerns involve sensitive sexual health, fertility, reproductive health, patient, or genetic information.

7. Transparency

Corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions will be clearly identified to ensure that readers are aware of important changes to the published scholarly record. The journal will aim to maintain an accurate and transparent publication record while protecting confidential and sensitive information where required.