Fall in proportion of IVF cycles funded by NHS

The proportion of IVF cycles funded by the NHS has dropped from 40% in 2012 to 27% in 2022, the UK fertility regulator says.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) says funding for in-vitro fertilisation therapy varies “considerably” throughout the UK.

Its newest knowledge additionally reveals individuals beginning IVF later – with the typical age for first-time therapy now over 35.

The success charge declines with age, it warns, and early entry to therapy is essential.

About 52,500 sufferers had IVF therapy throughout the UK in 2022, in contrast with 50,000 in 2019.

In England, NHS funding will depend on standards set by built-in care boards – and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, nationwide standards are taken into consideration.

Clare Ettinghausen, from the HFEA, advised Daily News Radio 4’s Today programme: “It is a so-called postcode lottery and we have seen wide-ranging inequalities

“So [it can depend on not only] the place you reside, however your relationship standing, whether or not you will have a baby from a earlier relationship.

“Unfortunately, we see black patients have far less funding than white patients – and those in heterosexual couples are most likely to have funding.”

David, who has a spinal-cord damage and is paralysed from the chest down, advised the Today programme he and his companion, Ashley, each of whom requested for his or her surnames to be withheld, “have been declined IVF because I have a daughter from a previous partner”.

“So apparently that is the rule in the Newcastle areas – but obviously, if I lived in a different part of the UK… we would be allowed it, which, obviously, I think is quite unfair,” he said.

The couple’s GP and MP tried to appeal against the decision, unsuccessfully.

They cannot consider moving to a different area because their house is fully adapted for David.

They are now looking at private options, which would cost them about £10,000, David said, and be unaffordable without his father’s help, for which he is “totally thankful”.

Ashley mentioned: “It is exciting – but I am nervous at the same time.

“We only have one chance for this to work.”

Across the UK, common IVF being pregnant charges rose to 31% per recent embryo transferred in 2022, from 21% in 2012.

Julia Chain, who chairs the HFEA, mentioned: “IVF success charges proceed to enhance – however as the prospect of a beginning quickly decreases with age, early entry to fertility therapy is essential for many who want it.

“Our data shows the average age of patients starting treatment for the first time is now nearly six years older than the average age at which women in England and Wales gave birth to their first child.”

The HFEA report suggests a number of causes, along with the autumn within the proportion of cycles funded by the NHS, together with:

• delays to many NHS companies – notably gynaecology appointments – after the Covid pandemic
• elevated ready time for exams earlier than being provided NHS-funded therapy
• issue funding non-public therapy, because of the cost-of-living disaster