Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Unwanted childlessness has become an increasingly important challenge in Western societies. From 2019 onwards, the state has taken on an increasing role in providing infertility treatment in Hungary. Given the technological advances in assisted reproductive techniques, the success rates of care are improving. Although significant territorial inequalities can be captured in the location of infertility centers in Hungary, the research aims to analyze the in vitro fertilization (IVF)- related patient pathway in Hungary.
METHODS: The National Health Insurance Fund Administration of Hungary provided the study database. It contained the IVF number of cases and patients registered in the publicly funded care system between 2010 and 2023. Primary data were also available on the county of residence of the cases, the name, the type, and the localization of the healthcare institution providing the treatment. Descriptive statistical tests and cross-table analysis were performed.
RESULTS: A total of 127,377 cases were registered between 2010 and 2023. A linear increase in the number of cases was observed, from 5,986 cases in 2010 to 16,595 in 2023 (a 2.77-fold increase). By region, the highest proportion of cases was in Central Hungary (40%, n=50,981), of which 63% were in the capital city (n=32,135). Per 10,000 inhabitants, the highest number of cases was in Western Transdanubia (819 cases/10,000 inhabitants). The majority of infertility centers are located in Western Hungary and Budapest. Our results show that cases living in a county with an infertility center receive, on average, 60% of their treatment close to their place of residence. The market share of Budapest facilities out of the total case volume is 57% (n=73,564).
CONCLUSIONS: The importance of IVF treatments today is significant. In Hungary, with the increasing involvement of the state, there has been an increase in the number of cases, but regional disparities remain.