Latest news with #JuliaChain
STV News
7 days ago
- Health
- STV News
One child in every school class born as a result of IVF
The equivalent of almost one child in every classroom in the UK is now born as a result IVF fertility treatment, new figures suggest. Almost 21,000 babies were born from IVF in 2023, compared to 8,700 in 2000, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said. The authors of the fertility regulator's latest report wrote: 'IVF births are making up a higher proportion of all UK births over time, increasing from 1.3% in 2000 to 3.1% in 2023. 'This means around one in 32 UK births in 2023 were via IVF – roughly one child in every classroom – compared to one in 43 in 2013.' The HFEA said that its latest figures show the 'changing landscape' of fertility care in the UK. Overall, 52,400 patients had ,ore than 77,500 in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles at UK fertility clinics in 2023. Some 11% of births to women aged 40-44 were a result of IVF, increasing from 4% in 2000 and accounting for 0.5% of all births, HFEA said. The data also reveal a rise in the proportion of women freezing their eggs – a rise from 4,700 in 2022 to 6,900 in 2023 – but the HFEA said that the number of patients using their stored frozen eggs in treatment remains 'low'. Meanwhile the HFEA also said that in 2023, around 820 babies were born following donor insemination (DI) treatment. The figures also show a reduction in the number of IVF treatments funded by the NHS. The proportion of NHS-funded IVF cycles declined from 35% in 2019 to 27% in 2023 in the UK, decreasing most in England, the HFEA said. More than half (54%) of IVF cycles in Scotland were funded by the NHS in 2023, compared to 49% in Northern Ireland; 33% in Wales; and 24% in England. The HFEA also raised concerns about racial disparities in IVF. It said that in recent years, Asian and black patients have had lower birth rates compared to white patients and those from a mixed ethnic background. Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, said: 'IVF is helping more people have babies including patients of different ages and family types. 'One in 32 of all UK births are from IVF and 11% of all UK births are to women aged 40-44 who had IVF. 'We are also seeing more single patients and female same-sex couples having IVF. 'These findings highlight the changing landscape of the UK fertility sector and how it could develop in the years to come. 'However, we are very concerned to see that black and Asian patients continue to have lower IVF birth rates compared to other patient groups, and our recent survey found that Asian and Black patients are less likely to report being satisfied with their fertility treatment.' Data from the Office for National Statistics show that the fertility rate in England and Wales in 2023 was 1.44 children per woman – the lowest level on record. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
7 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
One child in every school class born as a result of IVF
The equivalent of almost one child in every classroom in the UK is now born as a result IVF fertility treatment, new figures suggest. Almost 21,000 babies were born from IVF in 2023, compared to 8,700 in 2000, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said. The authors of the fertility regulator's latest report wrote: 'IVF births are making up a higher proportion of all UK births over time, increasing from 1.3% in 2000 to 3.1% in 2023. 'This means around one in 32 UK births in 2023 were via IVF – roughly one child in every classroom – compared to one in 43 in 2013.' The HFEA said that its latest figures show the 'changing landscape' of fertility care in the UK. Overall, 52,400 patients had ,ore than 77,500 in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles at UK fertility clinics in 2023. Some 11% of births to women aged 40-44 were a result of IVF, increasing from 4% in 2000 and accounting for 0.5% of all births, HFEA said. The data also reveal a rise in the proportion of women freezing their eggs – a rise from 4,700 in 2022 to 6,900 in 2023 – but the HFEA said that the number of patients using their stored frozen eggs in treatment remains 'low'. Meanwhile the HFEA also said that in 2023, around 820 babies were born following donor insemination (DI) treatment. The figures also show a reduction in the number of IVF treatments funded by the NHS. The proportion of NHS-funded IVF cycles declined from 35% in 2019 to 27% in 2023 in the UK, decreasing most in England, the HFEA said. More than half (54%) of IVF cycles in Scotland were funded by the NHS in 2023, compared to 49% in Northern Ireland; 33% in Wales; and 24% in England. The HFEA also raised concerns about racial disparities in IVF. It said that in recent years, Asian and black patients have had lower birth rates compared to white patients and those from a mixed ethnic background. Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, said: 'IVF is helping more people have babies including patients of different ages and family types. 'One in 32 of all UK births are from IVF and 11% of all UK births are to women aged 40-44 who had IVF. 'We are also seeing more single patients and female same-sex couples having IVF. 'These findings highlight the changing landscape of the UK fertility sector and how it could develop in the years to come. 'However, we are very concerned to see that black and Asian patients continue to have lower IVF birth rates compared to other patient groups, and our recent survey found that Asian and Black patients are less likely to report being satisfied with their fertility treatment.' Data from the Office for National Statistics show that the fertility rate in England and Wales in 2023 was 1.44 children per woman – the lowest level on record. Commenting on the HFEA data, a spokesperson from the fertility charity Fertility Network UK said: 'This important report from the HFEA reflects how essential fertility treatment has become for growing families in the UK and underlines not just the scientific advances in fertility care, but also the profound social impact of helping people realise their dreams of parenthood. 'Delays in accessing treatment — whether due to long GP referral times or inconsistent NHS funding — can have a devastating emotional and biological impact. We call for fair and timely access to fertility services for all, wherever they live and whatever their background.'
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Most fertility patients offered treatments that ‘don't work'
Most fertility patients are being offered treatments that are not proven to increase the chance of success, a report has said. Almost three quarters of fertility patients are being offered unnecessary add-on treatments, nearly all of which 'are not proven to increase the chance of having a baby', the fertility regulator has said. The report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) into the experiences of 1,500 patients in the UK also found that 51 per cent of those seeking donor sperm received it from overseas. Most patients cited increased choice and more information about the donor as the reasons why they chose foreign sperm. The HFEA said that in the UK a donor's sperm can only be used to create up to 10 families, but the 10-family limit does not apply abroad. The report also highlighted long waits for some patients – particularly those seeking NHS care. Around a quarter of patients had used donor eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment. Of the 73 per cent who were offered 'add-on treatments', only 52 per cent had the effectiveness explained to them, while 37 per cent were told about the risks. The report found add-on treatments such as the use of endometrial scratching – when the lining of the womb is scratched before an embryo is implanted – had decreased last year, but was still being offered. It also found the use of a so-called 'emerging technology' known as pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy – the checking of embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes – increased to 13 per cent in 2024, even though the HFEA said there is 'insufficient evidence' of its effectiveness at improving the chance of pregnancy. Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, said: 'It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. 'We regularly remind clinics that, according to our Code of Practice, they must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on involves, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, cost, risks, and link to our public ratings system. 'We will continue to remind clinics about improving clarity and communication for patients.' The report also found that most patients began treatment seven months to a year after first seeing their GP about their fertility problems. But 16 per cent of patients waited over two years. NHS-funded patients reported longer wait times in starting treatment compared to those who paid privately. Some 53 per cent of private patients started treatment within a year compared to 35 per cent of NHS patients. The regulator said that its data shows that the number of NHS-funded treatment cycles is falling, and stood at just 27 per cent in 2022. Ms Chain said the regulator was also 'concerned that NHS-funded patients are waiting longer than self-funded patients to start fertility treatment'. 'The delays faced by NHS patients highlight ongoing issues relating to the provision of specialist care for women,' she said. 'As part of our response to the Government's 10-year plan, we want to see a much shorter time for patients to begin fertility treatment once they have received advice or a referral from their GP.' A Department of Health spokesman said: 'It is unacceptable fertility patients are being offered unnecessary treatments that will not help them in their goal of becoming parents. 'We are working to improve access to NHS fertility services for all who need it. 'We are also currently considering advice from the HFEA about priorities for law reform covering their regulatory powers, including their potential role in digital clinics.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Most fertility patients offered treatments that ‘don't work'
Most fertility patients are being offered treatments that are not proven to increase the chance of success, a report has said. Almost three quarters of fertility patients are being offered unnecessary add-on treatments, nearly all of which 'are not proven to increase the chance of having a baby', the fertility regulator has said. The report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) into the experiences of 1,500 patients in the UK also found that 51 per cent of those seeking donor sperm received it from overseas. Most patients cited increased choice and more information about the donor as the reasons why they chose foreign sperm. The HFEA said that in the UK a donor's sperm can only be used to create up to 10 families, but the 10-family limit does not apply abroad. The report also highlighted long waits for some patients – particularly those seeking NHS care. Around a quarter of patients had used donor eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment. Of the 73 per cent who were offered 'add-on treatments', only 52 per cent had the effectiveness explained to them, while 37 per cent were told about the risks. The report found add-on treatments such as the use of endometrial scratching – when the lining of the womb is scratched before an embryo is implanted – had decreased last year, but was still being offered. It also found the use of a so-called 'emerging technology' known as pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy – the checking of embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes – increased to 13 per cent in 2024, even though the HFEA said there is 'insufficient evidence' of its effectiveness at improving the chance of pregnancy. 'Clinics must improve clarity' Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, said: 'It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. 'We regularly remind clinics that, according to our Code of Practice, they must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on involves, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, cost, risks, and link to our public ratings system. 'We will continue to remind clinics about improving clarity and communication for patients.' The report also found that most patients began treatment seven months to a year after first seeing their GP about their fertility problems. But 16 per cent of patients waited over two years. NHS-funded patients reported longer wait times in starting treatment compared to those who paid privately. Some 53 per cent of private patients started treatment within a year compared to 35 per cent of NHS patients. The regulator said that its data shows that the number of NHS-funded treatment cycles is falling, and stood at just 27 per cent in 2022. Ms Chain said the regulator was also 'concerned that NHS-funded patients are waiting longer than self-funded patients to start fertility treatment'. 'The delays faced by NHS patients highlight ongoing issues relating to the provision of specialist care for women,' she said. 'As part of our response to the Government's 10-year plan, we want to see a much shorter time for patients to begin fertility treatment once they have received advice or a referral from their GP.' A Department of Health spokesman said: 'It is unacceptable fertility patients are being offered unnecessary treatments that will not help them in their goal of becoming parents. 'We are working to improve access to NHS fertility services for all who need it. 'We are also currently considering advice from the HFEA about priorities for law reform covering their regulatory powers, including their potential role in digital clinics.'
The Independent
26-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Three-quarters of fertility patients using acupuncture and other add-on treatments they don't need, watchdog warns
Three-quarters of fertility patients are spending money on acupuncture, supplements and drugs that 'are not proven to increase the change of having a baby', the UK's fertility regulator has found. About 40,000 people a year wanting to conceive are using at least one additional test, emerging technology or treatment when undergoing IVF or donor insemination treatment, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). These extra treatments can cost up to £1,500, while some mineral and vitamin supplements can cost £25 or £30 for a day's supply, the survey of 1,500 people revealed. The HFEA said that the new study was 'concerning' because almost all additional tests, treatments or emerging technologies were surplus to fertility success. The most commonly used extra was additional drugs or supplements. The survey showed 39 per cent of people took supplements such as coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant produced naturally by the body, also found in meat, fish and nuts, which depletes with ageing. Some people say that using it can enhance the quality of the egg. Almost a third (27 per cent) spent money on acupuncture, others paid for time-lapse imaging and incubation (26 per cent). About 7 per cent of patients used nutritional therapy, nutritionists and dieticians. The report revealed only half (52 per cent) of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, with fewer (37 per cent) told about any risks linked to add-on care. The report found that the use of endometrial scratching – when the lining of the womb is scratched before an embryo is implanted – decreased last year. But pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) – the checking of embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes – increased from 7 per cent in 2021 to 13 per cent in 2024, even though the HFEA said there is 'insufficient evidence' of its effectiveness at improving treatment outcomes. About 55,500 people in the UK had fertility treatment in 2022. The more cycles of treatment a person has had, the likelier they are to have used an add-on. While 86 per cent of those who had had five cycles of IVF used an add-on, 62 per cent of those who underwent one cycle did so. The report also highlights long waits for some patients – particularly those seeking NHS care. It also points to the number of patients using donor sperm from outside the UK. Around a quarter of patients had used donor eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment. Patients who sought donor sperm were slightly more likely to be treated using sperm imported from overseas, with 51 per cent coming from abroad. Most cited increased choice and more information about the donor as the reasons why they chose foreign sperm. The HFEA said that in the UK one donor's sperm can only be used to create up to 10 families, but the 10-family limit does not apply abroad. Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, said: 'It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. 'We regularly remind clinics that, according to our Code of Practice, they must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on involves, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, cost, risks, and link to our public ratings system. 'We will continue to remind clinics about improving clarity and communication for patients.' The report also found that most patients began treatment seven months to a year after first seeing their GP about their fertility problems. But 16 per cent of patients waited over two years. NHS-funded patients reported longer wait times in starting treatment compared to those who paid privately. Some 53 per cent of private patients started treatment within a year compared to 35 per cent of NHS patients. The regulator said that its data shows that the number of NHS-funded treatment cycles is falling, and stood at just 27 per cent in 2022. Ms Chain added: 'We are also concerned that NHS-funded patients are waiting longer than self-funded patients to start fertility treatment. 'The delays faced by NHS patients highlight ongoing issues relating to the provision of specialist care for women. 'As part of our response to the Government's 10-year plan, we want to see a much shorter time for patients to begin fertility treatment once they have received advice or a referral from their GP.'
