The team at Manchester Fertility talk to us about low cost fertility treatment.

Infertility affects approximately one in six individuals and comes with its unique set of challenges. A survey conducted by Fertility Network UK^[1] in 2022* highlighted some of the negative effects for those dealing with fertility issues, ranging from mental health, relationships, and careers. A further study in 2023^[2] discovered that individuals are making agonising choices between pursuing parenthood and meeting their basic financial obligations.

Limited NHS Funded-Fertility:

Contributing to these issues is the limited availability of NHS-funded fertility treatments. Fertility treatment is only offered on the NHS if specific criteria are met. In England, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) make funding decisions. While encouraged to follow the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for treatment, each board can decide its policy for different treatments, such as fertility.

Commonly, criteria specify that couples can receive treatments if they have not been able to get pregnant after trying unprotected sex regularly for two years or after 12 cycles of artificial insemination. These rules are being addressed to be more equitable for same-sex couples accessing treatment. However, equity for other family dynamics accessing treatment is still a long way off. For example, over half of NHS England integrated care boards don’t include single women in IVF policies at all^[3].

Unfortunately, those who cannot access NHS fertility treatment are left to shoulder the financial burden privately.

However, in recent years, the landscape of assisted reproductive technology has undergone a remarkable evolution, offering new avenues and possibilities for individuals and couples striving to build their families. One of the biggest movements is in the emergence of low-cost IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), presenting an alternative that may be appealing to those seeking fertility treatment.

But what exactly is low-cost IVF, and is it the right choice for you?

Understanding Low-Cost IVF:

In response to the barriers mentioned above, some fertility clinics have begun offering low-cost IVF options, which aim to reduce the financial burden associated with treatment while maintaining a high standard of care.

Low-cost IVF typically involves streamlining certain aspects of the IVF process to make it more affordable, for example employing simplified treatment protocols or minimising expenses where possible.  By doing this, clinics can offer IVF at a lower cost without compromising the quality of care provided.

Essential Fertility®:

Essential Fertility offers affordable fertility treatments for those looking to start or grow their family.

Developed by leading UK clinic, Manchester Fertility, Essential Fertility aims to alleviate the lack of accessible fertility care in the UK. The nurse-led service was launched in 2023 and has seen some fantastic results and an impressive for patients under 35, with patient satisfaction at 100%.

Offering some of the lowest-cost fertility treatments in the UK, its patient packages make accessing and affording treatment a reality. Treatments are available for heterosexual couples, same-sex female couples, and single females who meet the eligibility criteria and include:

–         Essential IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation)

–         Essential ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

–         Essential Egg Freezing

All Essential Fertility treatments comprise everything you will need for one cycle, including all medication costs up to 12 weeks, one Frozen Embryo Transfer (IVF & ICSI), and storage of your eggs or embryos for the first year*. These are included to help patients get more from their package, as many other low-cost clinics do not include such offers.

All Essential Fertility treatments comprise everything you will need for one cycle, including many aspects of treatment that help your chances of success. The package includes all medication costs up to 12 weeks, one Frozen Embryo Transfer (IVF & ICSI), and storage of your eggs or embryos for the first year*. These are included to help patients get more from their package, as many other low-cost clinics do not include such offers.

Essential Fertility prides itself on providing transparent, upfront pricing so patients know they can afford treatment before starting their journey.

For single women and same-sex female couples, Essential Fertility has onsite access to HFEA-registered, health-screened donor sperm, which is an addition cost to the packages.

Eligibility Criteria:

Essential Fertility asks that patients meet three baseline criteria for treatment eligibility. The criteria are based on Age, BMI (Body Mass Index) and AMH (Anti-Müllerian hormone) levels, which differ slightly depending on the treatment type.

In the table below, you can see the specific criteria below. Factors like BMI are changeable; therefore, the team can discuss options based on individual circumstances.

Why Do Patients Need to Meet the Criteria?

Meeting these criteria gives patients the best chance of success when undergoing fertility treatment. Furthermore, by employing simplified treatment protocols, the complexity of treatments is reduced and helps enable nurse-led consultation and planning.

What is the Cost of Essential Fertility Treatment Packages: 

Essential Fertility packages are extremely good value.  Package costs are as follows: –

Essential IVF £2,950

Essential ICSI £3,900

Essential Egg Freezing £2,900

Donor Sperm £1,045

Essential offers transparent pricing and all prices are accessible via its website.

Fertility Consultant Anamika Rao says: 

“Low-cost IVF represents a transformative shift in fertility care, addressing the financial challenges many individuals and couples face. Essential Fertility’s commitment to affordability opens doors for those seeking to build their families, offering hope and a pathway to parenthood without compromising the quality of care.”

Is Low-Cost IVF Right for Me?

The decision to pursue low-cost IVF is deeply personal and should be made after careful consideration of various factors. Here are some key points to ponder:

Financial Considerations: Low-cost IVF can significantly reduce the financial burden of treatment, making it a more feasible option for many individuals and couples. If cost is your primary concern, exploring low-cost IVF options may be worthwhile.

Treatment Needs: Assessing your specific fertility situation and treatment needs is essential. While low-cost IVF may offer a more affordable alternative, it may not suit everyone. Individuals with complex fertility issues or those requiring specialised interventions may still benefit from traditional IVF with its comprehensive approach.

Success Rates: While low-cost IVF aims to make treatment more affordable, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on success rates.  Check with your chosen clinic to make sure you are happy with the success rates.

Support System: Regardless of the cost, undergoing IVF treatment can be emotionally challenging. Assessing your emotional readiness and support system before starting your fertility journey is crucial. Seek out resources and support networks to help navigate the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatment.

Clinic Reputation and Expertise: When considering low-cost IVF options, it’s essential to research the reputation and expertise of the clinics offering these services. Ensure that the clinic maintains high standards of care and has experienced fertility specialists who can guide you through the treatment process.

How to Access Low-Cost Fertility:

Head over to Essential Fertility’s website at www.essentialfertility.co.uk to check your eligibility, talk to an advisor, or get more information. You can view all treatments on the treatments page.

Essential Fertility is committed to its patients and can deliver the low-cost, accessible treatment that so many people are looking for today.

If patients don’t meet the criteria, help is still available through the Manchester Fertility pathway. Its friendly patient team can talk you through the options available.

To find out more about Essential Fertility visit www.essentialfertility.co.uk or contact their New Patient team from a discovery call on 0345 646 1778.

Sources:

[1] Fertility Network UK: Impact of Infertility and its Treatments

[2] Fertility Network UK: The Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on UK Fertility Patients 

[3] Sky News: Fertility Inequality: How Single Women are Facing Discrimination & Financial Strain 

*             Fertility testing and pre-treatment screening are not included