Back to IVF. If you don't meet these criteria, you may need to pay for private treatment. If you turn 40 during treatment, the current cycle will be completed, but further cycles shouldn't be offered. If tests show IVF is the only treatment likely to help you get pregnant, you should be referred straight away. Again, if tests show IVF is the only treatment likely to help you get pregnant, you should be referred straight away. NHS trusts across England and Wales are working to provide the same levels of service.
Some clinics can be contacted directly without seeing your GP first, but others may ask for a referral from your GP.
There may be additional costs for medicines, consultations and tests. Make sure you find out exactly what's included in the price during your discussions with the clinic. Some people consider having IVF abroad, but there are a number of issues you need to think about, including your safety and the standard of care you'll receive. Clinics in other countries may not be as regulated as they are in the UK.
Page last reviewed: 18 October Next review due: 18 October Women under 40 According to NICE, women aged under 40 should be offered 3 cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS if: they've been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for 2 years they've not been able to get pregnant after 12 cycles of artificial insemination, with at least 6 of the cycles using a method called intrauterine insemination IUI If you turn 40 during treatment, the current cycle will be completed, but further cycles shouldn't be offered.
Women aged 40 to 42 The NICE guidelines also say women aged 40 to 42 should be offered 1 cycle of IVF on the NHS if all of the following criteria are met: they've been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for 2 years.
