Skip to content
Back to the Fair

NHS treatment and funding

If you are otherwise healthy and have been trying to conceive for over two years – or less if you are over 35 – then it is best to talk to your GP about next steps.

People talk about ‘trying for a baby’ but it could be that you have been having unprotected intercourse for several years with the view that ‘if it happens, it happens.’ If so, your infertility might already have been for more than 2 years.

Your GP can perform some basic tests – blood tests, request a semen analysis – it is important that both partners are tested.

It is unlikely that your GP is a fertility specialist, so if want to talk more about your concerns then you may also want to have a free consultation with a fertility nurse specialist at Bourn Hall.

Once it has been established that there are issues with your fertility you will be referred for NHS Level 2 fertility testing at your local hospital.  If you live in Norfolk then this may at the Bourn Hall Clinic Norwich or the satellite in Kings Lynn.

After testing and diagnosis you may be referred for NHS medical treatment or a surgical proceedure.

For example; many women with irregular periods Ovulation Induction (OI) can be successful in stimulating regular egg release (ovulation) and this can result in a natural pregancy. See the booth “Help to get pregnant without IVF”  OI is available as an NHS funded fertility treatment.

Alternatively the best treatment may be specialist fertility treatment (level 3) which usually means IVF treatment.  There is currently a post-code lottery for NHS funded IVF, depending on where your GP is located.

Each Clinical Commissioning Group has its own eligibility criteria and levels of funding. Some CCGs do not fund IVF at all and others offer differing numbers of cycles. Typical eligibility criteria include age, BMI and the stipulation that there are no children already in the family, even if they don’t live with you.

NHS IVF funding in the East of England

Fertility  Network has been keeping a watch on the situation and the below map has been produced using its data to show the number of funded cycles in each CCG. To find out which CCG covers your area there is a useful tool on the NHS website.

Currently (November 2021), CCGs in the East of England provide NHS IVF funding for the following cycles of treatment. It is best to talk to your GP in the first instance about availability and eligibility for funding in your area.

Please note this map is intended as a guide only – please contact your GP about your individual circumstances

If you are not eligible for NHS funding?

At Bourn Hall we understand that finding the money for funding IVF treatment can be a challenge and we like to offer as many options available as possible to help people achieve their dreams of starting a family.

After the consultation with the Fertility Consultant you will be given a costed treatment plan.

This can include: pay-as-you-go, so you pay for each test or treatment as it is required, or you can opt for an IVF treatment package.  This excludes the cost of the initial consultation and testing and also the medication but does include all the treatments and procedures, making it easier to budget.

Bourn Hall also has a partnership with Access Fertility, this organisation provides packages of treatment that include a refund option if you are not ultimately successful.

There are also options if you choose to share some of the eggs or sperm that you produce while going through treatment.  By donating some of your eggs or sperm you can reduce the cost of your own treatment.  To do this you need to be under 35 and in good health with indications that you will produce a good number of eggs or good quality sperm.

Lee Willmot is the Patient Services Manager at Bourn Hall Clinic. She says: “Our doctors will always talk to you about the range of treatments available to you and give you their best and honest advice for which is most appropriate for your circumstances.  There is counselling available to help with your choices and Patient Services are here to talk through financial implications.”

More information is available in the knowledge-base.

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Continue browsing the Fertility Fair
Visit the knowledge-base

Follow us

Twitter Facebook-f Youtube Instagram

General enquiries: 01954 717210

Visit the Bourn Hall website
  • Privacy Policy