NHS-Funded Fertility and IVF Treatments in Dorset and Hampshire.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
The realm of fertility treatments is evolving, and understanding the options available through the NHS in specific regions like Dorset and Hampshire is crucial for those seeking assistance.
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) make funding decisions for health services based on local population needs, aligning with guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
I have written this blog in the aim to shed light on the current eligibility and criteria in these two areas.
I have also added in key links to help you access any up-to-date information (this blog was written in November 2023).
NHS-FUNDED FERTILITY TREATMENTS IN DORSET
Eligibility Criteria:
Age Limit: Up to 42 years old.
Number of IVF Cycles Funded: One cycle.
Children from Current or Previous Relationships: At least one person in the couple should have no children from current or previous relationships.
Previous IVF Cycles: No more than one previous NHS-funded IVF cycle.
Additional Requirement for Female Same-Sex Couples: Six cycles of self-funded artificial insemination.
Cryopreservation: Funded for a maximum of one year.
Access here the ICB document for Dorset NHS fertility information or go to Dorsets NHS website for more updated information.
NHS-FUNDED FERTILITY TREATMENTS IN HAMPSHIRE
Eligibility Criteria:
Age Limit: Up to 35 years old (I have to say that I find this staggering)
Number of IVF Cycles Funded: One cycle.
Children from Current or Previous Relationships: No children from current or previous relationships.
Previous IVF Cycles: No previous NHS-funded IVF cycles or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
Additional Requirement for Female Same-Sex Couples: Twelve cycles of self-funded artificial insemination.
Cryopreservation: Funded for a maximum of three years.
Access here the documentation for Hampshire or go to Hampshire fertility policies page on their website for any updated information
General Considerations for Accessing IVF on the NHS
Same-Sex Couples: Female same-sex couples using artificial insemination to conceive are generally expected to undergo at least 6 rounds of self-funded intrauterine insemination (IUI) before accessing NHS treatment pathways.
Heterosexual Couples: Typically require referrals to fertility treatment after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse (in the absence of any known cause of infertility).
NICE Guidelines: It's important to note that while these guidelines exist, variations in eligibility criteria can occur due to the decision-making power of local ICBs.
Key Takeaways
The eligibility criteria for NHS-funded IVF treatments vary greatly between Dorset and Hampshire, particularly regarding the age limit and requirements for previous children and IVF cycles.
I would highly recommend you to refer to your respective ICB's detailed policies for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
As a practitioner of natural fertility support please remember that IVF might not always be necessary and I have treated many many people of my 17 years of fertility experience who have not then had to go on and have IVF.
ABOUT KATE FREEMANTLE
I am an acupuncturist and herbalist with over 17 years of clinical experience supporting fertility. I work online and in my Dorset clinic.
I am a Fertility Support trained expert. To find out more about my expertise or another expert near you click here.
If you would like to find out more about my fertility acupuncture please get in contact here or call me on 07880545943.