Press releases and statements

Latest figures show the number of IVF treatments continue to rise

07 February 2013

New figures released today in a report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority show that the number of IVF treatment cycles continues to rise, despite the economic environment. They also show that multiple birth rates are declining, whilst overall pregnancy and live birth rates remain steady.

The report, ‘Fertility treatment in 2011: trends and figures', is the second of its kind to be published by the HFEA and brings together in an accessible way key statistics on fertility trends in the UK.

The HFEA has a commitment to making the best possible use of the information we collect to help drive improvement in the quality of IVF services.

Professor Lisa Jardine, Chair of the HFEA said:

“Our Register is the world’s largest national data set for all licensed treatments and outcomes from assisted reproduction. This puts us in an unrivalled position, with a responsibility to inform patients, clinicians and the general public about the performance of the fertility sector. This report demonstrates our commitment to being a proactive information provider, and our ability to be open and transparent about the data.”

Key figures show that:

  • The number of IVF cycles performed each year has increased steadily since 1991 and in 2011 approximately 47,000 women received over 60,000 IVF or ICSI treatments, 4.3% more than 2010
  • Between 2009 and 2010 the overall live birth rate per cycle started has remained steady; 24.1% in 2009 and 24.5% for 2010. This is in comparison to just 14% in 1991
  • Two thirds of the women receiving fertility treatment in 2011 were aged 37 and under. The average age of women undergoing IVF treatment was 35 with six out of ten IVF cycles being funded privately
  • Between 2008 and 2011 significant changes have been made in clinical practice, including an effort towards reducing multiple births by transferring one embryo even when more than one are available; in 2008, just 4.8% of embryo transfers were elective single embryo transfer compared with 15.0% in 2010 and 16.8% in 2011. This has resulted in a continual decline in the multiple pregnancy rate

Ends

Notes to editors

  • The HFEA is the independent regulator for IVF treatment and embryo research. Our role is to protect patients and the public interest, to drive improvement in the treatment and research sectors and to provide information to the public and policymakers about treatment and research.
  • The HFEA was set up in August 1991 as part of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.  The HFEA’s principal tasks are to license and monitor clinics that carry out in vitro fertilisation (IVF), artificial insemination (AI) and human embryo research. The HFEA also regulates the storage of gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos.

For further information please contact the HFEA press office on Tel: 020 7291 8226 or email press.office@hfea.gov.uk

Page last updated: 07 February 2013