Latest figures from an in-depth report into fertility treatments and IVF have revealed that the number of cycles carried out is increasing – with around six out of ten treatments now carried out by private clinics like Manchester Fertility.
The report by the HFEA shows that 47,000 women underwent IVF or ICSI in 2011 with a total of 60,000 cycles, an increase of 4.3 per cent from 2010. It also revealed that the live birth rate remained steady in 2009 and 2010, despite more clinics adopting a Single Embryo Transfer (SET) policy in line with HFEA guidelines to reduce the number of multiple births.
What this report reveals is an interesting snapshot of infertility treatment provision and success rates in the UK. It is great news that once again figures show that Single Embryo Transfer – where only one embryo is transferred in patients which have a good prognosis – is not affecting birth rates which remain consistent. This shows that SET does not affect your chances of pregnancy.
It is also worth noting the fact that over half of infertility treatments are now carried out by private clinics rather than within the NHS. There could be many reasons for this but it is most likely to be due to the fact that IVF provision within the NHS remains poor, with many couples still affected by the IVF ‘postcode lottery’ and so cannot access treatment either because of where they live or their circumstances, or are facing lengthy waiting lists to begin their NHS treatment. And so they turn to private clinics to help them have a baby, and often – as we have found when welcoming patients from far afield as Lancashire, Cumbria and Derbyshire - travelling great distance to secure the best treatment for their needs.
Some PCTs do allow transfer of NHS funds, if you are eligible for treatment in the first place, to a private clinic. We have more information about transferring NHS funds to us for your treatment here.
If you would like infertility treatment with us, you do not need a referral from your GP. You can self-referif you wish to. We also have no waiting lists for any of our treatments. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to find out more about how we can help you start your family.
Last updated: 20th January 2020
