If you and your partner have been trying for a baby for over a year but have been unsuccessful so far, fertility treatment may seem like the next option. But would you first like to understand how much fertility treatment costs? Are fertility clinics free? Is opting for the NHS services or going private better for your needs? Let’s discuss, compare and answer all your questions
Understanding fertility treatments in the UK
An analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) of birth registrations showed that the total fertility rates in the UK fell from 1.94 in 2010 to 1.55 in 2021, and this trend is also evident outside the UK, in other European countries. In the UK, around 1 in 7 people are infertile. This means that they have been unable to get pregnant naturally after 12 months of trying to conceive. Thankfully, advancements in medical sciences mean that even couples who are facing infertility are often able to get pregnant with the help of a fertility clinic.
It’s likely you’ve heard of fertility treatments such as In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). All of these options, while commonly heard of, are highly advanced treatments that aim to increase the chances of getting pregnant. Each of these procedures are complex and require not only advanced equipment but also a team of experienced and highly trained specialists. All of this costs money.
For those who wish to know how much a fertility treatment costs in the UK, you may be surprised to learn that an average IVF cycle from a private fertility clinic can cost anywhere between £4,000-£10,000 per cycle. These costs can vary widely across clinics depending on the particulars and your individual circumstances. Fertility treatment is highly individualised and costs reflect this.
NHS coverage for fertility services
The National Health Service (NHS) provides free fertility treatment to select couples. Although the NHS is free, it may not be the best option for you as you need to fit quite stringent eligibility criteria. There is a long waiting list which isn’t ideal if you are an older couple and time is of the essence. Here are some of the current criteria:
- The female partner must be under 43 years of age
- You must be childless
- You must be a healthy weight
- You must not smoke
- You must have been trying to conceive regularly for at least 2 years (This is lowered to 12 months for women over the age of 38.)
- Both partners must have no prior medical conditions that impact fertility significantly
Please note that the above is a summary of the NHS criteria list, and the eligibility factors may change at its discretion. Hence, it is recommended to do your own thorough research before making any decisions.
If you are someone who is not eligible for NHS funded treatment, you may want to seek out a private fertility clinic in the UK. Private fertility clinics offer a much shorter waiting time, use of cutting edge equipment, have more lenient eligibility criteria, and you have the luxury of being able to choose your clinic and fertility specialist yourself.
Your fertility journey
While there are many ways to improve your chances of getting pregnant with fertility treatments, taking care of the basics when it comes to your reproductive health should be a high priority. Take a look at what you can do from home to support your fertility as early as possible. If you have concerns about your fertility, or have been trying to get pregnant without success, it may be time to seek help from your healthcare professional to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.