Disease burden of infertility in China

Objective To estimate the disease burden caused by infertility in China and to provide scientific evidence for making intervention measures on infertility and public health plan.Methods Data on prevalence rate of infertility,the rate of seeking medical care,medical expenses,and the loss of working time because of infertility in 2008 were collected.The disease burden caused by infertility was calculated according to treatment method and the type of disease burden.Results The disease burden caused by infertility in China was from 81 billions to 230 billions RMB yuan in 2008.The disease burden for each couple was about 21 718 RMB yuan.More than 50% of the burden came from assisted reproductive technologies.The proportion of direct medical cost was 92% of the total cost.Conclusion The disease burden caused by infertility is higher than the most of diseases for a family.The disease burden caused by infertility in China could not be neglected.The main part of the cost is due to in vitro fertilization.The direct medical cost takes majority of the burden.