Infertility in Eastern Europe, a survey of the current status in 9 countries
Frank Lüdicke (1), Assia Brandrup-Lukanow (2),
Mihai Horga (3) and Aldo Campana
Geneva WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Human Reproduction
(1)To whom correspondence should be addressed; (2) WHO Regional Office for Europe, Sexual and Family Health Unit; (3) Medical Research Center, Targu Mures, Romania
Abstract
A questionnaire survey was conducted among Clinics of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in countries of Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States attempting to assess information on medical infrastructure for infertility, sources of information, equipment and facilities in place, investigations performed and evaluation of characteristics of the infertile couple. Information on nine countries out of the region was collected which revealed that in each country at least one referral centre for infertility existed and that all centres were in principal equipped to perform the necessary investigations. A high number of tubal damage was reported and a considerable number of pregnancy and postabortion complications. It is hypothesised that postabortion infections contribute significantly to infertility problems in the region. There was a large disparity between detected female/male causes, which is most likely due to the fact that a standardised approach for the male was not yet established in all of these services.
Edited by Aldo Campana,