According to a report by the UK’s fertility regulator, there has been a significant increase in the number of single women opting for IVF and a booming demand for egg freezing. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority states that fertility treatments in the UK are at an all-time high, with the fastest-growing procedures being egg and embryo freezing. In 2021, there was a 44% rise in single women seeking IVF, reaching 2,888 from 2,001 in 2019. Furthermore, the number of IVF patients in female same-sex relationships increased by 33%, from 1,649 to 2,201 during the same period. Single patients and those in female same-sex relationships had the greatest surge in IVF usage.
The report also highlights a significant increase in egg freezing and storage among all women, with a 64% rise from 2,576 cycles in 2019 to 4,215 in 2021. This represents an eleven-fold increase from the 373 cycles reported in 2011. Experts attribute this surge to the impact of the Covid pandemic, which prompted many women to consider preserving their fertility due to factors such as delayed property ownership, career establishment, or waiting to find a partner. The pandemic’s effect on socializing restrictions may have encouraged women to think more about their fertile window and increase their reproductive choices.
Commenting on the data, Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust, suggests that the sharp rise in egg freezing cycles can be associated with the pandemic. She posits that limitations on social activities might have prompted women to reassess their reproductive timelines and opt for egg freezing. Alison Campbell, chief scientific officer at Care Fertility Group and honorary professor at the University of Kent, celebrates the increasing number of single patients and same-sex partnerships pursuing fertility treatments. However, she highlights the challenges faced by these patients, who often do not qualify for NHS funding and must finance the treatments themselves. NHS-funded IVF treatment cycles also remain below pre-pandemic levels for most age groups, with significant variations across different regions.
The report reveals that the average age of women undergoing fertility treatment with IVF has risen to 36, compared to nearly 31 for those conceiving naturally. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of patients privately funding IVF, particularly among those aged 18 to 34. In 2021, 63% of IVF cycles in this age group were privately funded, compared to 52% in 2019. The number of IVF cycles funded by the NHS has decreased by 16%, from around 24,000 in 2019 to 20,000 in 2021. The decrease in NHS-funded cycles is concerning, and while the pandemic might be a contributing factor, it is unlikely to be the sole cause. The situation is worrying, as many individuals under 35 may be unable to afford fertility treatment amidst a cost-of-living crisis and soaring mortgage rates.
The report also highlights a 10% increase in IVF and donor insemination cycles between 2019 and 2021, equivalent to around 7,000 more cycles. Live birth rates per embryo transferred have shown improvement over the years, with an increase from 7% in 1991 to 25% in 2021 for patients aged 35 to 37. For patients aged 38 to 39, the rates rose from 6% in 1991 to 17% in 2021. However, for women aged 43 and above, the live birth rate per embryo stands at a lower 10%. Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, characterizes the report as promising, indicating that treatment numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and advancements in clinical and laboratory practices have led to increasing pregnancy rates. Nonetheless, there are still delays in accessing fertility services due to the aftermath of the pandemic, potentially causing the average age of IVF patients to rise. Despite improvements in pregnancy rates, success rates decline with age, which could be disheartening for some patients who may never achieve their desired outcome of having a baby.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
