Data from Czech and European research and statistics agree on one fundamental point: European civilization is experiencing a reproductive decline and is aging inexorably. The importance of artificial insemination is becoming increasingly apparent. How does the Czech Republic fare in the field of assisted reproduction, and why?
Demographic analyses by the Czech Statistical Office highlight significant changes in reproductive behavior observed in Europe during the second half of the 20th century. These changes have resulted in low and late fertility rates. Delaying parenthood until later in life is associated with an increased risk of infertility and pregnancy complications. A study by the IHME Institute at the University of Washington even predicts a decline in the Czech Republic’s birth rate by up to one-third by 2 100 and a reduction in the Czech population to 6.73 million. According to this study, by the end of the 21st century, the population will decline by half in 23 countries around the world.
Infertility, defined by WHO standards as the inability to conceive within 6 to 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, affected 10.7 to 15.5% of couples worldwide in 2023, according to research. And their number is still growing. Interest in various methods of artificial insemination is also growing.
Sperm quality has dropped dramatically
Infertility is not only a problem for women. Poor sperm quality also negatively affects male fertility. The problem is often low sperm count, poor shape, or insufficient motility. There can be a number of reasons for this – surgery, inflammation, genetic disorders, but also stress, lack of exercise, or a diet rich in preservatives and other harmful substances.
Since 1990, the standard for sperm evaluation has also been significantly reduced. Compared to 40 million sperm in 1 ml of ejaculate, in 2010 it was only 15 million sperm. In connection with the deterioration in sperm quality, the number of potential sperm donors is also declining.
Assisted reproduction as a way to parenthood
Data from the National Register of Assisted Reproduction shows that currently up to 5% of Czech children are born using IVF methods, and this trend has been rising significantly every year since 2016. The number of foreign couples seeking help in the Czech Republic on their journey to having a baby is also constantly growing. There are several reasons for this: the high standard of Czech reproductive medicine, relatively tolerant legislation within European countries, excellent care provided by assisted reproduction clinic staff, short waiting times and, compared to many European countries, affordability. The combination of these factors has propelled the Czech Republic to the forefront of artificial insemination in Europe. We are thus among the countries with not only high availability but also a high rate of use of assisted reproduction techniques in Europe.
Main differences within Europe
According to an analysis by the Czech Statistical Office from 2020 to 2022, which compared assisted reproduction techniques in the Czech Republic, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom have the most lenient legislation in this area. Both countries also offer the widest range of artificial insemination methods. Germany is the only one of these countries that does not allow oocyte donation, and although it allows embryo donation, cryopreservation is prohibited.
Embryo donation is prohibited in Sweden and Italy. In Sweden and France, it is not possible to undergo IVF or ICSI with donated gametes, i.e. with donated oocytes and donated sperm at the same time. Surrogacy is only permitted by law in the United Kingdom. In the Czech Republic, the law does not address this issue, so it is not illegal. In the other countries mentioned, it is prohibited by law.
Even though, apart from the United Kingdom, it is more liberal than the other countries surveyed in terms of artificial insemination methods, it has much stricter conditions for their use. In our country, IVF can only be undergone by heterosexual couples in which the woman is between 18 and 49 years of age. Unlike in the United Kingdom, however, the anonymity of genetic material donors is preserved in the Czech Republic. All of the above factors contribute to the high interest in assisted reproduction in the Czech Republic and its rapid development in our country. This is confirmed by the number of domestic births where conception occurred through artificial insemination. While there were approximately 3,500 such births in 2016, there were already 4,800 in 2021.
Czech clinics lead the way in Europe
Given the great success of assisted reproduction centres in the Czech Republic, client satisfaction is so high that they return again and again in an effort to conceive. One such example is the Prague Fertility Centre, which has most of its patients from abroad and is one of the providers of the highest quality care in the Czech Republic. Thanks to high quality standards, infertility treatment at PFC is truly individualised, which is confirmed by the fact that they are able to help 9 out of 10 couples. A well-coordinated team of leading experts, which includes not only doctors but also embryologists, a nutritionist, physiotherapists, a psychologist and other specialists, helps hundreds of couples fulfil their dream of parenthood every year.
The Prague Fertility Centre provides comprehensive fertility treatment, with the state-of-the-art equipment in its embryology laboratory playing a significant role in its remarkable success. State-of-the-art technology enables the PFC clinic to achieve truly excellent results in the field of vitrification (a modern method of rapid freezing of eggs and embryos for long-term preservation of their quality). This ensures a survival rate of around 90% for sex cells after thawing and increases the chances of a successful IVF treatment outcome.
We are happy to provide you with the care of a personal coordinator who will discreetly and considerately guide you through all the necessary examinations and procedures and keep you informed about the results of your treatment. Your happy pregnancy and fulfilling parenthood are the absolute priority for the entire PFC team. If you would like to discuss your options with our IVF specialist, please write to us and we will arrange an initial consultation for you.