18/07/2024
𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 – 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.
The average age of women and couples starting a family has been on the rise, but now, according to an article in today, the average age of women starting IVF treatment has risen to 35 years and above for the very first time.
Sadly, there is no escaping the undeniable reality that a woman’s fertility declines with age. The results of which can be life-changing. However, there seems to be a disparity in the perceived common knowledge of what will be available to women and couples when they choose to start a family to the hard reality of what is, in fact, available and the strict restrictions associated with NHS funding for IVF treatment.
For many people, privately funded treatment for IVF is out of their budget, so they turn to the NHS for help; however, with set guidelines that differ according to their postcode, understanding them is key to taking control of their future family planning.
The options available to individuals and couples can vary considerably depending on their location and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) that governs that county. The tables above demonstrate the difference between three of the most and least accessible ICBs.
With maternal age, BMI, health - i.e. smoking, previous privately funded treatment, underlying medical conditions or whether one partner has a child through a current or previous relationship governing the eligibility for treatment, the potential for access can be limited.
One of the additional criteria for eligibility for NHS funding is the value of a woman’s potential egg reserve. This is gained through a simple blood test (AMH); however, ironically, it is not funded by the NHS.
“I believe education, being informed and having easy access to information allows people to align their reproductive choices with their lives and is absolutely crucial to individuals and couples who are planning or want to have a family.” – Dr Lynne Chapman.
