The HFEA, the UK regulator for fertility clinics, have published their latest annual 'Fertility Trends Report'.
This report gives useful information and trends on different aspects of fertility treatments in the UK such as the types of patient who are having treatment and success rates.
The full report can be read here but here are a few key points:
Average age at first IVF treatment increased above 35 years old for first time
New egg and sperm donors increased by 21% from 2019 to 2022
Egg storage fastest growing treatment, but accounted for 5% of all cycles in 2022
Multiple births from IVF at lowest UK average yet of 4%
Increased patients with female partners and single patients using IVF in 2022
Fertility patients are starting treatment later and this is a concern as success rates decline with age
Julia Chain, Chair of the HFEA, said:
“IVF success rates continue to improve, but as the chance of a birth rapidly decreases with age, early access to fertility treatment is crucial for those who need 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.
“There are several possible factors for this including the knock-on effect of delays across the NHS due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in gynaecology, which has likely led to delays in some patients accessing fertility services.
“The higher average age may also relate to difficulty in funding fertility treatment, owing to recent increases in the cost of living, a fall in the proportion of NHS-funded IVF cycles and increased waiting times for further investigations before accessing NHS-funded treatment.
“Fertility treatment is not a guarantee of having a baby. It is important to seek advice about fertility issues so that, if treatment is needed, patients can access it as soon as possible to reduce delays. Early contact with a GP and referral to a fertility clinic, if needed, will help ensure the chances of success are as high as possible.”
Komentarji