Rising NHS waiting lists have been at the top of the news agenda for a long time and show little sign of dwindling. But what do they mean for those wanting to access IVF treatment?

In the UK, the NHS provides funded fertility treatment for eligible patients; however, accessing in vitro fertilisation through the NHS can be a complex journey, influenced by various factors such as age, location and individual health circumstances. Limited resources within the NHS contribute to longer IVF waiting lists, as high demand and resource constraints affect how quickly patients can begin treatment.

For individuals and couples facing fertility challenges and unexplained infertility, navigating the NHS fertility treatment system can often be a complex, emotional, and lengthy process. Understanding the intricacies of the NHS IVF waiting list can help prospective parents prepare better and manage expectations.

IVF on the NHS: Eligibility Criteria for NHS-Funded IVF Treatment

The NHS funding is available for IVF treatment for eligible patients based on guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

However, access to IVF on the NHS is ultimately determined by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) if you live in England, which sets specific criteria, policies and funding allocations. Integrated care boards across England establish access criteria for NHS-funded IVF, and these criteria can vary depending on the region. These access criteria determine who is eligible for NHS-funded IVF treatment.

How many rounds of IVF can you get funded by the NHS?

NICE Guidelines Recommend:

  • Up to three full IVF cycles for women under 40.
  • One full cycle for women aged 40–42 (if certain criteria are met, including having been trying to conceive for at least two years, never having had IVF before and having enough ovarian reserve).

However, actual provision often falls short of these recommendations, with many ICBs funding only one cycle or restricting access even further.

NHS IVF Waiting List: What Does It Look Like?

One of the most common questions people have is, “How long will I be on the IVF waiting list with the NHS?”

The truth is, it varies widely depending on where you live. Waiting times are subject to your ICB’s funding, clinic capacity, and local demand.

 Typical Waiting Times:

  • In some areas, as little as 3–6 months.
  • In others, 12–24 months is not uncommon.
  • In high-demand regions, waiting lists can stretch to 3 years or more.

Regional Disparities – The “Postcode Lottery”

Access to IVF on the NHS is often described as a postcode lottery. A couple living in one area in England may be eligible for three IVF cycles, while another, just a few miles away, may receive none.

This inequality has prompted the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to call for more consistent access across England. Ensuring equal access to NHS-funded fertility services is crucial so that all individuals, regardless of where they live, have fair opportunities to receive treatment.

In contrast, Scotland and Wales offer more standardised funding policies, and Northern Ireland generally provides one funded cycle.

Decline in NHS-Funded IVF Cycles

Recent data has revealed a sharp decline in the number of NHS-funded IVF procedures. According to the HFEA:

  • In England, NHS-funded IVF dropped by 17% between 2019 and 2022.
  • Only 27% of IVF cycles were NHS-funded in 2022, compared to 40% in 2012.
  • Many patients now face the difficult decision of waiting years for NHS treatment or pursuing costly private fertility care.

Securing NHS funding to fund IVF has become increasingly difficult, with many regions limiting the number of cycles they fund. NHS funding for fertility treatments is subject to strict criteria and limited resources, which affects how many cycles the NHS will fund.

Challenges Faced by Older Women

Fertility is closely linked to age, particularly for women. As such, waiting several months or years for IVF can have a significant impact on success rates.

In addition to age, body mass index is another important eligibility factor that can impact access to NHS-funded IVF, especially for older women.

Fertility Decline by Age:

  • Women under 35 have the highest success rates (around 32–35% per embryo transfer).
  • By age 40, this drops to 10–15%.
  • By 43, success rates fall below 5%, even with IVF.

Delays caused by waiting lists can mean the difference between qualifying for NHS treatment and ageing out of eligibility.

For example, a woman referred at 39 may face a 12–18 month wait, by which time she may no longer meet the criteria for funded IVF.

This is particularly concerning given that many patients already spend years trying to conceive before being referred.

Emotional Toll of Waiting

Being on a waiting list isn’t just a logistical hurdle—it’s an emotional one too. Many individuals report feeling:

  • Powerless and frustrated by the lack of control.
  • Anxious that time is running out.
  • Isolated and unsupported while waiting for treatment.

It’s important to acknowledge these emotional challenges and seek support during this time. Here at The IVFN, our community, leading experts, and resource material can be a valuable source of comfort and advice.

Top Tips for Navigating the NHS IVF Process

Consult Early

It is important for the patients to engage with their GP promptly to discuss fertility concerns and initiate referrals.

Understand Local Policies

Research your local ICB’s criteria for IVF funding, as each ICB sets specific eligibility requirements that can vary widely – visit GOV.UK

Prepare for Assessments

Be ready for necessary tests and evaluations, which can add time to the process. These assessments may include blood tests for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B.

Consider Alternatives

If NHS waiting times are prohibitively long, explore a private clinic or other fertility treatments, keeping in mind the associated costs.

How to Get on the NHS IVF Waiting List

If you’re beginning this journey, here’s what the process typically involves:

After you are placed on the NHS IVF waiting list, treatment starts once you reach the top of the list and have completed all necessary pre-treatment assessments.

Step 1: Visit Your GP

  • Discuss your fertility concerns.
  • Your GP may refer you for initial fertility testing.

Step 2: Referral to Fertility Specialist

  • After 1–2 years of trying to conceive (or sooner, if you’re over 35), you may be referred to a fertility clinic for assessment. Your partner may also be referred for assessment as part of the fertility evaluation process.

Step 3: Testing and Diagnosis

  • Blood tests, semen analysis, and ultrasound scans will help identify any underlying issues.

Step 4: Eligibility Assessment

  • The clinic assesses your eligibility based on ICB criteria, including:
  • Age
  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Both partners must be non-smokers for at least six months prior to treatment
  • Length of time trying to conceive
  • Living children (biological or from previous relationships)

Step 5: Joining the Waiting List

  • If you are eligible for NHS-funded IVF, you’ll be placed on the NHS IVF waiting list for treatment at a specified clinic.

Alternatives While You Wait

If the NHS wait is too long or you don’t meet the criteria, there are options:

Many private clinics and some NHS providers offer a range of fertility services beyond standard IVF. These include fertility preservation options, such as sperm freezing and embryo storage, which can be especially important for individuals undergoing medical treatments like cancer therapy. Some clinics allow you to store embryos for future use, with policies and costs varying by provider. Tools like Fertility Mapper can help you assess the quality and comprehensiveness of fertility services, including treatment availability and embryo storage options, in your area.

Private IVF Treatment Clinics

  • The private treatment route provides faster access to IVF services but is costly (approx. £4,000–£8,000 per cycle, excluding medication).
  • Some offer payment plans or IVF refund schemes.

Egg Freezing

Women in their 30s facing delays may opt to freeze their eggs to preserve fertility potential.

NHS funding for egg freezing is available in certain medical circumstances, such as before undergoing cancer treatment or other medical procedures that may impact fertility. However, NHS funding does not typically cover social egg freezing or extended storage for non-medical reasons.

Fertility Abroad

  • Some patients seek treatment in countries like Spain, Greece, or the Czech Republic, where costs can be lower.

 Lifestyle and Holistic Support

  • Nutrition, acupuncture, and counselling may help while waiting for treatment and preparing the body for conception.

Waiting for IVF on the NHS can be one of the most challenging parts of the fertility journey. With disparities in access and declining availability of funded treatment, it’s important to understand your rights, stay informed and explore alternatives.

Whether you’re at the start of your fertility journey or feeling stuck on a waiting list, you’re not alone. If you’re navigating NHS fertility treatment and want to hear from others who’ve been there, a membership to The IVFN can offer support through real stories from those who’ve been there and expert insights.