The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) published its Fertility Trends Report today. The Report contained some serious issues which need addressing.
The number of NHS-funded IVF cycles in England dropped to just 22 percent. Whereas in Scotland where fertility treatment is provided by the NHS in accordance with the NICE Guideline's recommendations 53 percent of IVF cycles were funded.
Unfortunately, this data from the Fertility Trends Report came as no surprise to the PET team who have recently analysed the local Integrated Care Boards' policies for the Fertility Policy Tracker.
The other key piece of data that the media picked up from the Report was that the average age of first-time fertility patients is now over 35 years of age.
PET Director Sarah Norcross was quoted in the Daily Mail.
She said: 'For many women in England, accessing NHS-funded fertility treatment can take at least two years. And that's before taking account of additional delays, for example if a woman needs to lose weight to be eligible.
'Those not eligible for NHS treatment will then look for ways to finance private treatment, during which time they won't be getting any younger.
‘It is hardly surprising, then, that the average of women having their first cycle of IVF is increasing.’
She was also quoted in the Times.
She said: 'The fact that the average age of women accessing fertility treatment for the first time is now 35 is unsurprising, given the poor availability of NHS-funded treatment. Inconsistent local policies across England mean that people often have to wait at least two years before they can access IVF treatment, and this pushes up the age of these women.'
