The number of men diagnosed with infertility topped 100,000 last year, data showed on the 19th. Experts cite late marriage, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and excessive stress as causes of male infertility.
According to data obtained by Rep. Nam In-sun of the Democratic Party of Korea on the Health and Welfare Committee from the National Health Insurance Service, the number of people diagnosed with infertility in Korea rose about 31%, from 228,618 in 2022 to 300,401 last year.
During the same period, male infertility cases increased 37%, from 79,176 to 108,358. Female cases rose 29%, from 149,442 to 192,043. The number of people receiving procedures such as in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination after an infertility diagnosis also increased. Support for infertility procedures rose 143%, from 91,939 cases in 2020 to 223,012.
The government increased the budget for supporting infertile couples from 41.2 billion won in 2020 to 145.7 billion won last year. Rep. Nam said, "In the era of ultra-low births, a system is needed to support everyone who hopes to give birth, regardless of marital status."