Changes in the Epidemiological Indicators of Female Infertility in Europe 1991-2021
Author(s)
Bettina Kovács, BSc, MSc1, Luca Fanni Kajos, BSc, MSc, PhD2, Dalma Pónusz-Kovács, BSc, MSc1, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD2.
1Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Infertility is a major global public health issue, affecting approximately 48 million couples and 186 million individuals, including 120 million women. The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of female infertility between 1991 and 2021 in Central, Eastern, and Western Europe and compare these findings with data from Hungary.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, quantitative analysis using data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2021) by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). We focused on infertility prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), evaluating all data per 100,000 population. Trends were analyzed by European regions as defined by the GBD and compared with Hungarian figures.
RESULTS: In 1991, Eastern Europe had the highest infertility prevalence (3231.59/100,000), while Western Europe had the lowest (862.31/100,000). Central Europe fell in between (2024.02/100,000). These regional patterns remained similar in 2021, though prevalence increased overall (Eastern: 3292.89, Western: 1120.48, Central: 2258.85), particularly in Western Europe, where a 30% rise was observed. In contrast, Hungary showed a declining trend, with prevalence dropping from 1797.49 to 1593.16. DALY values were also highest in Eastern Europe (1991: 18.04 years; 2021: 18.09 years) and lowest in Western Europe (1991: 4.97 years; 2021: 6.34 years). Central Europe’s DALYs increased from 10.96 to 12.05 years, with Western Europe seeing the largest relative increase (27.57%). In Hungary, DALYs decreased from 9.56 to 8.48 years. Age-specific data showed the highest prevalence and DALY rates in the 30-34 age group in Central and Eastern Europe, and in the 40-44 age group in Western Europe.
CONCLUSIONS: Infertility prevalence increased across Europe, especially in Western Europe, while Hungary showed a declining trend. These findings highlight regional disparities and provide a basis for targeted health policy interventions for infertility prevention and management.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, quantitative analysis using data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2021) by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). We focused on infertility prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), evaluating all data per 100,000 population. Trends were analyzed by European regions as defined by the GBD and compared with Hungarian figures.
RESULTS: In 1991, Eastern Europe had the highest infertility prevalence (3231.59/100,000), while Western Europe had the lowest (862.31/100,000). Central Europe fell in between (2024.02/100,000). These regional patterns remained similar in 2021, though prevalence increased overall (Eastern: 3292.89, Western: 1120.48, Central: 2258.85), particularly in Western Europe, where a 30% rise was observed. In contrast, Hungary showed a declining trend, with prevalence dropping from 1797.49 to 1593.16. DALY values were also highest in Eastern Europe (1991: 18.04 years; 2021: 18.09 years) and lowest in Western Europe (1991: 4.97 years; 2021: 6.34 years). Central Europe’s DALYs increased from 10.96 to 12.05 years, with Western Europe seeing the largest relative increase (27.57%). In Hungary, DALYs decreased from 9.56 to 8.48 years. Age-specific data showed the highest prevalence and DALY rates in the 30-34 age group in Central and Eastern Europe, and in the 40-44 age group in Western Europe.
CONCLUSIONS: Infertility prevalence increased across Europe, especially in Western Europe, while Hungary showed a declining trend. These findings highlight regional disparities and provide a basis for targeted health policy interventions for infertility prevention and management.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH39
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Reproductive & Sexual Health