[Utilization rates of publicly funded in vitro fertilization procedures in Hungary between 2010 and 2023].

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of infertility is high, with an estimated 186 million people affected worldwide. Between 12–17% of couples of reproductive age experience infertility. The high prevalence of fertility disorders has led to an increasing demand for assisted reproductive techniques, of which in vitro fertilization is one of the most widely used. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the use of in vitro fertilization in the publicly funded healthcare system in Hungary. Method: The study was a retrospective and quantitative research, for which the necessary data were obtained from the database of theNational Health Insurance Fund Administration and the Pulvita Health Data Warehouse of the National Hospital General Directorate. The research evaluated the number of inpatient cases related to in vitro fertilization treatment from 2010 to 2023. Further analyses were performed on the contribution of Hungarian hospitals to in vitro fertilization, the territorial inequalities of utilization in a county breakdown, and also on diagnosis-related groups. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used. Results: A total of 127,616 cases were treated in publicly funded inpatient facilities during the study period. A significant increase in the number of cases was observed from 2019 onwards. Patient turnover in 2023 was almost 2.5 times higher than in 2010. However, there are still significant inequalities in the use of services at the territorial level. The average age of the study population shows an upward trend between 2010 and 2020. Conclusion: The increase in state involvement from 2019 onwards has had a noticeable impact on the increase of in vitro fertilization patients. Although a linear increase in in vitro fertilization number of cases could be observed from year to year, the significant territorial disparities that existed previously still persist. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(29): 1139–1152.