According to the recent 2024 report from fertility regulator Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), there has been a significant rise in the number of women having fertility treatment. If statistics are to be believed, then the number of women undergoing fertility treatments in the UK has nearly tripled in the past decade. What’s perhaps even more surprising is how the number of single women seeking fertility treatments like IVF have also increased, with over 4,800 women in 2022 – a 243% increase from 2012 numbers. But what is the reason behind this increase? Are couples facing infertility issues at higher rates than usual? Is there something more to this increase than meets the eye? Let’s find out.
What’s causing the increase in fertility treatments?
When talking about the sharp increase in fertility treatments by women, we need to understand the probable causes that may be fuelling this spike. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason that more couples are seeking fertility treatment, we can take guidance from reports and research and conclude that societal changes such as women wanting to delay getting pregnant in later life, environmental factors, and even lifestyle are to blame.
Lifestyle factors that contribute to infertility
One of the pitfalls of the current age that we live in, is that our lives are super stressful and juggling major life milestones, work, family and social commitments can feel akin to a balancing act. Unfortunately, this can take a significant toll on our overall health. With poor health, comes diminished ability to reproduce, which may contribute to infertility issues amongst couples. Feeling constantly stressed, exposure to toxic chemicals (such as fumes from cars, smoke, and more), a poor diet full of fast food and processed items, and being overweight – are just some of factors that can contribute to infertility.
What actually constitutes an infertility diagnosis? Doctors will consider you infertile if you have been trying to get pregnant naturally for 12 months without any success. It doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t go on to get pregnant but may indicate the need for investigation. Problems such as blocked fallopian tubes, poor quality of sperm or eggs, issues with sperm production or availability of less eggs in the ovarian reserve are just a few commonly known fertility problems which are prevalent in infertile couples. In addition to this, any underlying or undiagnosed health or genetic conditions can also play a big role in your ability to conceive naturally.
Family type
Another reason that contributes to the increase in fertility treatments in recent times are different family types. With our society opening up, it’s not just traditional heterosexual couples looking to start a family. Indeed, there are numerous single women wishing to start a family of their own without seeking a male partner. Similar holds true for same-sex couples. For these individuals, fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI using a sperm donor becomes one of the best ways to achieve their dream of starting a family.
Time sensitive process
And if this wasn’t enough already, another reason that significantly contributes to women seeking fertility treatments is time sensitivity. When we talk about time sensitivity in respect to fertility, studies have shown that there is a significant decline in fertility levels after the age of 35. This holds true for both genders, though it is much more pronounced in women as there are only a finite number of eggs available in the ovarian reserve. As we age, this number decreases significantly by reducing chances of a successful conception, naturally. Thankfully, with the advancement of medical tech and facilities, there are now multiple fertility treatments available at everyone’s disposal and the NHS also provides free fertility treatment, but this isn’t as straight-forward as it may initially seem.
Access to treatment
Elaborating on the above point, in order to be eligible for treatment on the NHS, there are many strict criteria that must be met to be eligible for treatment.
Although NICE recommends that treatment is offered to women under the age of 43 who have been trying to get pregnant for two years without success, the reality is that it is more often than not the budgets of the trust in your specific area that dictates how likely or not you are to get treatment.
In addition, NHS waiting lists can be long and fertility treatment is very time-sensitive as an individual’s reproductive ability is closely linked with their age. Problems can arise when men and women struggle to get prompt access to free fertility treatments. For those seeking fertility treatment, long wait times can negatively impact a woman’s chances of successful conception. For this reason, many individuals who are concerned about their fertility opt to seek advice and treatment from private fertility clinics as there are fewer criteria and better availability – but more than that later.
What can be done to facilitate better access to fertility treatment?
To make your fertility journey a bit smoother, here are some ways in which you can achieve your goal of starting a family.
Firstly, get your health in order. This means opting for healthy lifestyle choices, such as cutting back on anything that harms your body and giving yourself enough time for recovery from life’s daily stresses, is crucial for supporting your reproductive abilities. Simple practices such as avoiding coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, eliminating processed food items from your diet, opting for organic veggies and leafy greens, and taking out time out of your day to do gentle exercise can really make a difference.
Another way in which you can make your fertility journey smoother, is by opting for fertility treatment from a private fertility clinic in London. Although there are clinics throughout the UK, London is home to some of the best fertility expertise in the country. Private clinics can offer bespoke, high-quality treatment options for those wishing to save time and not compromise on quality of service. A good fertility clinic will have experienced medical experts that can guide you towards achieving conception, based on your current health condition. They may suggest you undergo a few different fertility tests and scans to better understand your reproductive potential in order to be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
