Assisted Reproduction · Registries and Reporting
RRM Academy Synopsis
About 7 in 10 UK fertility patients were satisfied with treatment
About 7 out of 10 patients reported satisfaction with their latest treatment, a 2024 survey of 1,500 UK fertility patients, partners, intended parents and surrogates found. Of those who saw a GP (family doctor) about their options, only about 4 out of 10 were satisfied with that visit.
Key Findings
- Among respondents who had a baby or a current pregnancy from treatment, 88% were satisfied, against 50% of those without a baby. Overall satisfaction with the latest treatment was 73%.
- Almost 80% of respondents had consulted a GP before beginning, and 43% of those who consulted one about their options rated the experience as satisfying.
- Add-ons were widespread: 73% had used an extra test, treatment or emerging technology, medications or supplements topping the list (39%). Of those users, 28% did not report understanding the reason.
- Respondents were less likely to report satisfaction if they were Asian (50%), Black (59%, a small base size) or over 40 years of age (67%).
- Many respondents wanted a greater understanding of their fertility, especially those with unexplained infertility, who often felt they were perhaps steered toward IVF. Some described too little investigation of their partner.
Interpretation
The UK fertility regulator, the HFEA, ran a cross-sectional survey, a snapshot of patient experience, from 2 September to 9 October 2024. The authors describe the respondents as broadly similar to the national register of patients. Patients were more likely to take part if they had a baby or a current pregnancy (55% of respondents, against 24% without a baby). Respondents answered questions about their own experience. Small groups are flagged with asterisks, and changed question wording rules out some comparisons between years. The regulator describes almost all add-ons as unproven at raising the chance of a baby for most patients.
RRM Context
Many respondents wanted to understand their fertility, and some described little testing of their partner. Restorative reproductive medicine evaluates both partners and seeks the underlying cause. Unexplained infertility means the cause is undiagnosed. IVF goes ahead without finding why conception fails.
Abstract
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reports its National Patient Survey 2024, a survey of UK fertility patients carried out from 2 September to 9 October 2024 and published in March 2025. The report states that the survey explores the patient pathway, from accessing GP services and choosing a clinic through to the most recent experience of treatment, and that 1,500 patients were included. According to the report, satisfaction with most recent treatment was 73%, and was lower among Asian (50%) and Black (59%) patients and patients above the age of 40 (67%). The report also states that only 62% of private patients had received a personalised cost breakdown for their treatment, and that half of patients said their clinic explained the effectiveness of tests, treatments or technology while only 37% said their clinic explained risks.
