More single women and female couples having IVF

While growing numbers of different family groups seek fertility treatment, NHS funding for these treatments continues to fall.

Just 27% of IVF cycles are paid for by the NHS, down from 40% in 2012.

Of these NHS-funded cycles, 86% are 18-39-year-olds having their first treatment, according to the HFEA.

Heterosexual couples in this position receive 52% of NHS-funded cycles, with female couples accounting for 16% and single women 18% – both a slight rise

The HFEA report says IVF is “one of the most invasive and expensive treatments per cycle”.

But more female couples and single women are choosing it, for several reasons, including the:

Reciprocal IVF, where one partner provides the eggs (to be fertilised by donor sperm) and the other carries the baby, is also becoming more popular.

Overall, one in four IVF treatments resulted in a birth, the report found.

But IVF birth rates are higher among single women and female couples, who are less likely to be having the treatment because of infertility problems than heterosexual couples, who may also be waiting for other treatment.

The chances of qualifying for NHS funding depends on where the patients live.

In England, NHS funding depends on criteria set by local integrated-care boards, which vary widely – whereas in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is a national policy.

In Scotland, 78% of IVF cycles are NHS funded, compared with 53% in Wales and 45% in England.

But Scotland does not fund fertility treatment for single women.