Introduction
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Lulu and James Martin talk about their decision to choose IVF treatment after years of trying for a baby, and the physical and emotional challenges they faced
In the UK, one in seven couples who are trying for a baby experience delays in conceiving. Conception is a complex process involving many factors. If one of these factors is impaired, infertility can occur.
In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is just one of several assisted conception techniques available to help people with fertility problems to have a baby. It involves an egg being surgically removed from the ovary and fertilised outside the body.
Success rates of IVF
The success rate of IVF is determined to a large degree by the age of the woman undergoing the treatment. Younger women tend to have healthier eggs which increase the chances of success.
The average success rate after one cycle of IVF treatment in the UK is:
- 28% for women who are under 35 years of age,
- 24% for women who are between 35-37 years of age,
- 18% for women who are between 38-39 years of age, and
- 11% for women who are between 40-42 years of age.
IVF is not usually recommended for women who are over the age of 42 because the chances of a successful conception are thought too low to justify the treatment.
IVF on the NHS
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines that were published in 2004 recommend that suitable couples receive up to three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS. The government added a priority condition that couples with a child, or children, from the current, or previous relationship, should not have access to NHS treatment.
The typical cost of one IVF cycle at a private clinic is £2,500. However, the rate at which this recommendation is being implemented has varied, and NHS trusts across England and Wales are working to provide the same levels of service.
