New data from the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) indicates a notable shift in fertility treatment patterns, with more families opting for private care and beginning treatment at older ages than ever before.
According to the latest figures, the average age of first-time fertility treatment patients has surpassed 35 for the first time, marking a steady increase from 33 in 2000. However, the likelihood of achieving successful outcomes through fertility treatment diminishes significantly with advancing age, cautioned the HFEA.
Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, emphasized the critical importance of early access to fertility treatment. She highlighted that the average age of patients starting treatment is now nearly six years older than the average age of first childbirth in England and Wales, underscoring the growing trend of delayed fertility treatment.
Several factors contribute to this trend, including NHS delays exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in gynaecological services. Financial constraints due to the rising cost of living and reduced NHS funding for IVF cycles have also played a role, leading to increased waiting times for necessary investigations before treatment.
“Fertility treatment is not a guaranteed path to parenthood,” cautioned Chain, stressing the importance of seeking early advice on fertility issues to minimize delays in accessing treatment. She advocated for regular consultations with GPs and timely referrals to fertility clinics to optimize the chances of success.
The report further revealed a significant rise in the number of IVF cycles conducted across the UK in 2022, increasing by 11% compared to 2019. However, NHS-funded IVF cycles saw a notable decline, plummeting to 27% in 2022 from 40% in 2012.
Overall, approximately 52,500 patients underwent IVF treatment in the UK in 2022, reflecting a modest increase from 50,000 in 2019. The Independent had previously highlighted heightened anxiety among women undergoing IVF treatments during clinic closures in spring 2020, exacerbated by a 7% drop in NHS-funded IVF cycles during the pandemic.
The evolving landscape of fertility treatment underscores the growing preference for private options amidst demographic shifts and healthcare challenges, urging policymakers to address access issues and support for those seeking assisted reproductive technologies.
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