During IVF, an egg is surgically removed from the woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, now called an embryo, is then returned to the woman's womb to grow and develop.
For more information read IVF - How it is performed.
IVF doesn't always result in pregnancy and it can be both physically and emotionally demanding. If you're going through IVF, you should be offered counselling to help you through the process. Read more about the support available during IVF.
Who can have IVF?
According to guidelines, couples may be eligible for IVF treatment on the NHS if:
- The woman is between 23 and 39 years old at the time of treatment.
- A cause for their fertility problems has been identified or they have had infertility problems for at least three years.
However, the decision about who receives treatment is made by local healthcare trusts. Priority is often given to couples who don't already have children.
IVF isn't usually recommended for women above the age of 42 because the chances of a successful pregnancy are thought to be too low (see below).
For more information read IVF - Getting started.
Success rate
The success rate of IVF depends on the age of the woman undergoing treatment as well as the cause of the infertility (if it's known). Younger women are more likely to have healthier eggs, which increases the chances of success.
In 2008, the percentage IVF treatments that resulted in a birth (the success rate) was:
- 33.1% for women under 35
- 27.2% for women aged 35-37
- 19.3% for women aged 38-39
- 12.5% for women aged 40-42
- 4.9% for women aged 43-44
- 2.5% for women aged over 44
For more information read IVF - Risks.
Funding and payment
In 2004, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines recommending that suitable couples receive up to three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS.
NHS trusts across England and Wales are working to provide the same levels of service. However, the provision of IVF treatment varies across the country and it often depends on local trust policies.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority regulates and licenses fertility clinics. You can find a fertility clinic using their search function.
If you're not eligible for NHS funding or you decide to pay for IVF, you can approach a private fertility clinic directly. On average, one cycle of IVF costs about £5000. However, this varies from clinic to clinic and there may be additional costs for medicines, consultations and tests.
Some clinics may offer a ‘package’ of treatment. During your discussions with the clinic, make sure you find out exactly what's included in the price. You may also be able to reduce the cost of IVF by donating some of your eggs for others to use.
For more information go to HFEA: private fertility treatment.
If you're thinking about having IVF abroad, there are a number of issues that you may need to consider, including your safety and the standards of care that you'll receive. The HFEA licenses and regulates clinics in the UK only. Clinics in other countries may or may not be regulated to local standards and regulations.
For more information go to HFEA: considering fertility treatment abroad: issues and risks.
No one is entitled to a child.
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