London, United Kingdom Feb 24, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - Fertility travel specialists the International Fertility Company (IFC) have partnered with Fertility Network UK (FNUK), the country’s leading patient support charity to find out why people travel abroad for IVF treatment.
There are no definitive numbers at hand to illustrate how many individuals and couples leave the UK to undergo fertility treatment abroad. If, however, we are to assume that the interest for this kind of treatment is similar to that generated by medical tourism generally, the answer is, that the numbers are growing year on year.
Health tourism is booming and shows no signs of slowing down. According to researchers, there seems to be a general consensus that the ‘medical tourism market’ will be worth in excess of 125 billion USD by 2021 whilst the ‘wellness’ market which includes spas and complementary therapies which are often associated with health treatments already tops 4.5 trillion USD.
Fertility treatment is a complex area which can be a gruelling process, physically, emotionally and psychologically with no guaranteed outcome. IVF is a relatively young procedure at just over 40 years and despite advances in technology and expertise, overall success rates still remain relatively low. The average chance of birth from IVF treatment depends on a woman’s age and according to the UK’s fertility regulatory body, the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority this success rate stands at 29% for a woman under 35 but reduces significantly to 9% at the age of 40-42*.
Infertility is not simply a physical problem which can be treated in medical isolation. It a complex disease which can be accompanied by severe and life long physical and mental stresses. FNUK’s own research into the impact of fertility problems on individuals suggests that a staggering 42% of those questioned experienced suicidal feelings as a result of fertility problems and/or treatment. Added to this a lack of perceived emotional support offered to patients; the general stigma of infertility; the impact it has on finance, personal relationships and employment and you see how it impacts on virtually all aspects of daily life.
FNUK has been campaigning since its establishment in 2003 to address the inequalities faced by UK patients and has had some outstanding successes. Examples include the support by the Scottish Government to implement a funded three-cycle IVF programme to eligible patients across Scotland and working closely with the Welsh and Northern Ireland administrations to encourage them to offer similar provision in their regions.
The so-called fertility ‘postcode lottery’ however still exists across England where the location of your home is more important than your medical need.
FNUK’s focus has always been on representing the UK based patient and helping them access UK based treatment. Alongside the IFC however, it recognises that there will always be a number of individuals and couples who will choose to have their treatment abroad.
Andrew Coutts who represents the International Fertility Company says,
“Both FNUK and the IFC recognise the demand for fertility tourism does not represent total damnation of available treatments in patients’ home countries nor an admission that treatment abroad is a better option. It is only one option.
We wanted to launch this survey to get a feeling for why people still considered fertility travel. We want to know the reasons behind these decisions and we will share our conclusions with fertility clinics both at home and abroad”
Gwenda Burns, CEO of FNUK explains the rationale for launching the survey,
It is important we have a better and clearer understanding of why people choose to go abroad for treatment. The results from the survey may also help UK clinics to dress, where possible the specific needs of patients in the UK”.
Andrew Coutts reiterates,
“This survey is not about putting blame on one country’s fertility treatment provision and praise on another. It's about identifying a patient need and encouraging treatment providers to respond to it. Although the survey primarily relates to patients in the UK we believe that the reasons behind fertility travel crosses borders and we would encourage anyone to participate, wherever they reside”.
The 2020 Fertility Tourism, Where and Why survey can be accessed via https://internationalfertilitycompany.com/fertility-travel-survey/
Notes:
The 2020 survey develops the work of a previous survey undertaken by FNUK in partnership with Fertility Clinics Abroad in 2016.
*The figures quoted represent IVF treatments with a woman’s own egg – these statistics will change if we include figures relating to treatments undertaken in association with donor programmes – success rates with this type of treatment rise significantly.
Fertility Network UK:
FNUK is the UK’s leading patient-focused fertility charity and offers emotional and practical support to an estimated 3.5 million people affected by infertility in the UK. It receives no statutory funding and is responsible for raising its own funds. It represents the ‘patient voice’ and campaigns for equitable access to NHS fertility treatment in the UK; works alongside policymakers to affect fertility treatment policy at a national level and education providers to promote fertility education and preservation to young people.
International Fertility Company:
IFC is an independent body which works across five continents; advising patients on fertility travel, governing legislation and statutory frameworks which secure the quality of treatment and care of patients as well as working directly with treatment providers to ensure they provide clear, transparent and appropriate information to fertility patients.
Media Contact
International Fertility Company andrew@internationalfertilitycompany.com 07794372351 http://www.internationalfertilitycompany.com
