The NHS in England is failing millions of women by offering only one cycle of IVF, despite official policy. Almost 70% of NHS areas in England are providing just one round of IVF treatment for women under 40 who have been trying to conceive for two years, according to a fertility charity's research. This is in stark contrast to the three full cycles that should be offered in line with official guidance. The impact of this is 'devastating' for couples struggling with infertility, as the pressure to succeed with just one NHS-funded cycle is immense. Sarah Norcross, the director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET), highlights the issue, stating that 'infertility is already incredibly stressful for people, and it puts them under even more pressure, because there is so much riding on whether that one NHS-funded cycle is going to work.'
The data also reveals regional variations, with the whole of the north-west offering just one cycle. This has led to a 'postcode lottery' situation, where some areas are 'rushing to the bottom' in terms of fertility services. Of the 29 ICBs offering a single cycle, 19 provide only a partial cycle, where not all viable embryos are transferred. The fertility rates in England and Wales have been falling since 2010, and the situation is only getting worse. The NHS estimates that around one in seven couples may have difficulty conceiving, and one cycle of IVF can cost up to £5,000 at a private clinic.
The health minister, Karin Smyth, has acknowledged the issue, stating that it is 'unacceptable' that access to NHS-funded fertility services varies across the country. However, the Nice fertility guidelines are due to be updated this spring, and it remains to be seen if this will make a difference. The director of PET, Sarah Norcross, advocates for centralized commissioning and a phased implementation approach, starting with two cycles and moving up to three once capacity is achieved. This is a tried and tested plan that England could follow to improve access to fertility treatment.
