A new report from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has found there has been an increase in the number of single patients and female same-sex couples having fertility treatment.
The data also shows that female same-sex couples and single patients had the highest success rates of any patient group, with a birth rate per embryo transferred of 40% or over, compared to 35% among opposite-sex couples aged 18-34 in 2022. The lower birth rates among opposite-sex couples are likely due to reasons for having IVF, as opposite-sex couples undergoing IVF are more likely to suffer from infertility whereas single patients and female same-sex couples are primarily having IVF for other reasons.
Although many more female same-sex couples and single patients are having fertility treatment, both groups were less likely than opposite-sex couples to receive NHS funding. About 16% of female same-sex couples and 18% of single patients had NHS funding for their first IVF treatment compared to 52% of opposite-sex couples aged 18-39. The level of funding varies across the UK with the highest levels in Scotland.
Julia Chain, Chair of the HFEA said:“In the UK, different family groups can access a wide range of reproductive options when starting their fertility journey. While the number of female same-sex couples and single patients having fertility treatment continues to rise, we continue to see lower rates of NHS-funded treatment. While the HFEA does not regulate funding, we encourage those who commission fertility services to review their eligibility criteria and consider whether these have an adverse impact on access to treatment and we hope that this report will generate further discussion. We also encourage healthcare providers to make sure the information they provide represents the diversity of families and patients accessing treatment, so that everyone can receive an inclusive experience.”
You can find more information on the HFEA website – https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/family-formations-in-fertility-treatment-2022