Socio-demographic factors, infertility experiences and infertility treatments in Finland

Anneli Miettinen, The Population Research Institute, Helsinki
Pirjo Paajanen, The Population Research Institute, Helsinki

The study examines socio-demographic determinants of prevalence of infertility experiences (subfertility), willingness to seek medical care for infertility, and relationship of socio-demographic factors to decisions to start infertility treatment in Finland. The study uses data from several sources (IVF-statistics; nationally representative surveys 1989, 2000 and 2007, survey among patients at a private IVF-clinic). It is found that lifetime infertility experiences have increased. In 1989 14 percent of women aged 22-51 had experienced difficulties in conceiving, in 2007 the proportion was 20 percent. Socio-economic differences in subfertility disappeared when age was controlled for (2007 data). However, socio-demographic factors are related to willingness to seek medical care (highly educated are more actively seeking help), and to decision to start infertility treatment. It appeared, however, that economic costs may not be of primary importance when considering starting infertility treatments, although their role may increase when considering whether to continue treatments.