In this article we look into the differences between choosing a private fertility clinic or to get treatment on the NHS. Not everyone will be eligible for NHS fertility treatment – learn more about the fertility treatment options here.
In order to get fertility treatment on the NHS, you need to fulfill the eligibility requirements. Here is the checklist:
Women under 40: According to NICE, women aged under 40 should receive 3 cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS if:
- they’ve been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for 2 years
- they’ve not been able to get pregnant after 12 cycles of artificial insemination with at least 6 cycles being IUI treatments
- tests show IVF is the only treatment likely to help you get pregnant, you should get a referral straight away.
If the woman is turning 40 during treatment, the current cycle is completed, but no others can be started.
Women aged 40 to 42: The NICE guidelines suggest women aged 40 to 42 should receive 1 cycle of IVF on the NHS if all of the following criteria are met:
- they’ve been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for 2 years, or haven’t been able to get pregnant after 12 cycles of artificial insemination with at least 6 cycles being IUI treatments
- they’ve never had IVF treatment before
- they show no evidence of low ovarian reserve (where eggs in your ovaries are low in number or quality)
- they understand the additional implications of IVF and pregnancy at this age
When deciding between fertility treatment on the NHS and a private clinic, a factor that is very important to consider is the potential waiting time. You need to expect and align with any issues of time, e.g. the age of the participating people. Waiting times are varying a lot, but between 4 and 10 months for NHS treatment are very common. The allotted appointments in NHS-funded treatment can be rather inflexible and...
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