Fertility patients can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fertility treatment in the UK, as the HFEA launches its third National Patient Survey.
The survey will explore the patient experience, from accessing GP services through to patients’ most recent fertility treatment. The HFEA is asking patients to help identify how the experience of fertility treatment in the UK has changed since our last national survey in 2021.
The survey will cover the use of donor eggs, sperm, and embryos, as well as questions around tests, treatments, and technologies. The HFEA will use the results to shape our work so that we can continue to ensure high-quality care for everyone using the UK’s fertility services.
Julia Chain, HFEA Chair, said:
“Fertility treatment has progressed rapidly since the HFEA was established more than 30 years ago, with around 100,000 cycles now being carried out each year. Treatments themselves are changing at pace, which is why it is crucial for us to regularly gain an understanding of the patient experience.
“Our most recent Fertility Trends report found that the average age of first-time fertility patients is now over 35 years old, and that more single patients and patients in female same-sex relationships are using fertility treatment than ever before. We also know that there are still disparities in treatment for Black, Asian, and ethnic minority patients, so it is particularly important that we hear from these patient groups to ensure our results are representative of the country’s fertility population.
“If you are having fertility treatment of any sort in the UK, then we want to hear about your experiences.”
The HFEA survey is open from 2 September to 2 October to all patients, surrogates and intended parents through surrogacy who are currently undergoing treatment, or who have had treatment in the last five years. To fill out the survey, click here