Helsinki sees 36% rise in fertility treatment referrals amid growing demand for egg donation

The number of fertility treatment referrals at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) has increased by 36% over the past five years, from 2018 to 2023. During this period, the patient count has risen by 22%. HUS’s announcement highlights that the demand for referrals has been significantly boosted by the introduction of egg donation treatments into the public healthcare system in 2019, as well as a trend of individuals postponing their childbearing aspirations to later in life.

This year, the reproductive medicine unit has reported a 14% increase in egg retrievals, a 12% rise in embryo transfers, and a 29% growth in egg donation treatments compared to the same timeframe last year. The shift towards later parenthood is reflected in the demand for fertility treatments, with age being the most significant factor negatively affecting fertility for both men and women.

HUS emphasizes that public healthcare is now better equipped to support various family structures. Over half of the egg donation treatments are provided to single women wishing for a child, while one-quarter are for same-sex female couples. According to unit chief physician Hanna Savolainen-Peltonen, the number of egg donation treatments has nearly doubled in the past two years.

It’s important to note that egg donation treatments, like other cellular or organ transplants, are not guaranteed under the treatment guarantee policy. There is currently a waiting list for these treatments, as there are fewer donors than those seeking assistance, with a particular shortage of egg donors. This year, the waiting time for sperm donation treatments has decreased to under a year, compared to 12-15 months last year, while the wait for egg donation treatments still varies from one to two years.