More women are turning to private IVF treatment in the UK
New research has revealed that more women than ever are turning to private IVF. In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons behind this sudden rise, which fertility treatments are on the rise, and what are the key factors responsible for this shift. Let’s take a deeper look and understand a little more about this shift in the post-pandemic era.
The rise of fertility treatments
During the pandemic, many couples postponed their plans to start a family due to job instability and economic uncertainty. Now that the world is returning to normalcy, many couples are now looking to get pregnant, which could be a major reason for this increase in the number of people seeking fertility treatment.
According to research published by the HFEA, 2021 saw a 10% increase in IVF and donor cycles compared to 2019. This increase in figures highlights a shift towards assisted reproductive technologies in the UK, with urban areas leading the way.
Additionally, fertility preservation technologies such as egg freezing also recorded a sharp increase of 64%. The average age of couples seeking fertility assistance has now increased to 36, which is five years older than the average age of couples trying to conceive naturally. All this has collectively led to a significant increase in pregnancy rates across all age groups.
So you might wonder – how is the UK dealing with the sudden increase in fertility treatments? Is the medical system able to meet this demand?
Fertility landscape in the UK
For people living in the UK, the NHS can help couples by funding their fertility treatment (provided you meet their criteria). However, the same research notes that, sadly, between 2019 and 2021, these NHS funded cycles decreased significantly across the UK; NHS-funded IVF cycles have decreased by 17% in England, 36% in Wales and 1% in Scotland. But why?
The study analyzed possible reasons behind this decline – longer waits in hospitals due to COVID-19 regulations, favoritism of older patients compared to newer patients and stricter criteria set by the NHS.
Because of the above, many patients now choose to pay for their treatment privately. Private fertility clinics are able to efficiently meet this demand and provide advanced treatments with better choice in fertility doctors, treatments, and fewer restrictions on who can access fertility services. Thankfully, it is now easier than ever to find an IVF clinic in London, making specialist fertility care more accessible to couples during pregnancy, no matter their age or location.
Your fertility journey is in your hands
As we move into the post-pandemic era, the landscape of fertility treatment in the UK continues to evolve. The increasing reliance on IVF, egg freezing and other assisted reproductive technologies tells us how people are adopting new norms in family planning.
To meet this new surge in fertility options, private clinics have stepped up and are now at the forefront by offering advanced and personalized care. These clinics are home to fertility specialists who help couples make informed decisions about their fertility, as each visit is individually unique. So if you’re a couple or know someone who is struggling, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re not alone. If you have a diagnosis of infertility, it is definitely not the end of the road for you.