A new study from Queen Mary University of London, has exposed significant cost disparities and a concerning lack of reliable information within the UK’s fertility treatment sector.
The research, published in the journal Human Fertility, highlights the financial burden faced by patients. It also raises serious questions about the transparency and accuracy of information provided by clinics.
Led by Professor Manuela Perrotta, the study surveyed 304 current and prospective IVF patients. This revealed a wide range in treatment costs, from £5,000 to £13,000 per cycle, with an average expenditure of £11,950.
Cost difference between NHS vs. Private
A stark contrast emerged between NHS and private facilities, with self-funded treatment at NHS facilities averaging £6,990 per cycle, while private clinics charged significantly more, averaging £12,977.
The study also found that patients rely heavily on multiple information sources. 96% of patients consulted private fertility clinic websites with 75.8% speaking with clinic staff before beginning treatment.
However, trust in these sources varied greatly.
Patients are not trusting social media
While 60.2% found private clinic websites reliable, only 50.3% trusted NHS websites, and a mere 26.3% relied on social networks.
A staggering 95.9% of respondents emphasised the importance of clinics providing accurate and updated information on their websites, highlighting a significant gap in information reliability.
Adding to the concerns, the research revealed a sharp increase in the use of fertility treatment add-ons.
Fertility Add-Ons
Worryingly, the most commonly used add-on, time-lapse imaging (41.4% of respondents), has been assessed by the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) as not improving success rates.
Professor Manuela Perrotta said, “Our findings reveal not only the substantial financial burden on patients but also a concerning lack of reliable information in the fertility sector. Patients are often left navigating complex treatment options and significant costs with limited transparency. There is a clear need for regulatory action to ensure that clinics provide accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information to support informed decision-making.”
Need for standardised information
The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations to ensure fertility clinics provide clear and standardised cost information and treatment options.
It also calls for improved oversight to ensure patients receive accurate and transparent details, particularly regarding costly fertility add-ons.
The findings have significant policy implications, advocating for an expansion of the HFEA’s remit to include financial information. It also calls for a stronger oversight by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to ensure clinics provide clear and accurate cost details.
Researchers suggest addressing the growing inequalities caused by the so called IVF postcode lottery and the escalating costs of private fertility care, This would ultimately empower patients to make informed decisions about their fertility journey.
