HNY Policy and Pathway Repository - York

In December 2014 the CCG agreed to implement a policy of immediate access to one cycle of IVF for couples who met the agreed criteria.

Following a review of its Access to Infertility Treatment Policy, in July 2020, the CCG updated the policy to reflect the recent review of the Yorkshire and Humber Fertility Policy.

The changes to the NHS Vale of York CCG policy makes:

• One funded cycle of IVF available where the female is aged 40-43 (to 43rd birthday)
• One funded cycle of IVF available where the female is aged 18 – 23yrs. Subject to meeting existing eligibility criteria.

The Executive Committee agreed to implement a policy of immediate access to one cycle of IVF for couples who meet the following criteria:

• Female age: 18 – 43rd birthday (at the time of treatment)
• Female BMI: 19 to 29 female for six months prior to a referral
• Smoking status: Non-smoking couple for six months prior to a referral
• Existing children: To not have living or adopted children
• Relationship: To be in a stable relationship for at least two years (including same sex couples) and currently cohabiting

Other criteria:

• For heterosexual couples: to have had regular unprotected intercourse (attempts to conceive) for at least two years prior to referral within the same stable relationship, in the absence of any known reproductive pathology
• For same-sex couples and where a medical condition exists (such as physical disability, an infection requiring sperm washing, or a psychosexual disorder prevents natural conception), IUI for up to 6 cycles may be funded, followed by further assisted conception if required
• Couples who have previously self-funded treatment are eligible for one NHS funded cycle as long as they have not received more than two self-funded cycles

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A copy of a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.

For Frequently Asked Questions specifically for same sex couples click here.

Careful consideration will be given to previously eligible couples currently seeking IVF services. To ensure this process is fair and as effective as possible, the CCG is working closely with local Assisted Conception Units to develop a pathway into services.

 

Access Criteria

• Female age – years at the time of treatment
  The age of women at the time of treatment must be less than 43rd birthday and over 18 years
   
• Female BMI 19 to 29 for 6 months prior to a referral Body Mass Index within the range 19 to 29 kg/m2 (this means that a BMI of 29.1 is outside the criteria). GPs should advise patients regarding weight loss support if they meet all other criteria. Assisted conception treatments will only be provided when BMI is within the range stipulated and has been maintained within 19 to 29 kg/m2 for the previous 6 months.
   
• Partners: both must be:-
  • o Non-smokers for 6 months prior to a referral
    • Both partners must be non-smokers for 6 months prior to a referral. Non-smoking status for both partners will be tested with a carbon monoxide breath test prior to commencement of any treatment. GPs should refer any smokers who meet all other criteria, to a smoking cessation programme to support their efforts in stopping smoking. Previous smokers must be non smoking for 6 months prior to being put forward for assisted conception treatment and register below 5 on the Carbon Monoxide test.
  • Existing children
    • Neither partner should have any living children from either current or any previous relationships. The adoption of children confers the legal status of parent to the adoptive parents; this will apply to both adoptions in and out of the family. If any fertility treatment results in a live birth (and the child is still alive), then the couple will not be eligible for further fertility treatments, including the implantation of any stored frozen embryos.
  • Stable 2 year relationship
    • To be in a stable relationship for at least two years (including same sex couples) and currently cohabiting.
  • Having regular unprotected intercourse for the 2 years prior to referral within the same stable relationship
    • Couples must have been having regular unprotected intercourse for a 2 year period, reported to and documented by GP. Attempts to conceive should be based upon using recognised ovulation indicators at the appropriate time in the cycle.
    • Couples who conceive naturally and who subsequently miscarry up to twice within 2 years will be investigated for recurrent miscarriages. These women will not automatically received assisted conception treatment unless clinically appropriate as they are able to conceive naturally.
  • Previous treatment history
    • Any previous NHS funded IVF treatment will be an exclusion criterion. Couples who have previously self-funded treatment are eligible for 1 NHS funded cycle as long as they have not received more than 2 self-funded cycles.

 

The CCG Access to Infertility Treatment Commissioning Policy reflects the latest guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg156).

Date effective from: July 2020

Date published: October 2020

Approved by: CCG Executive Committee, July 2020

Responsible officer: Dr Shaun O’Connell GP Lead valeofyork.contactus@nhs.net