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Infertility affects 1 in 7 couples in the UK, with both partners impacted in almost 40% of cases [1]. From 2009-2010 in the UK, there was a 21.5% and 5.3% increase in the number of women receiving IVF treatment with donor sperm and eggs, respectively [2].

Covering both male and female infertility, as well as assisted reproduction techniques, the newly updated ‘Infertility’ care map is now available on the Map of Medicine, accredited by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Following ‘Female urinary incontinence’ and ‘Menopause’, this is the third care map to be accredited by RCOG.

RCOG is one of several national clinical bodies who work with the Map of Medicine to ensure the content of the care maps reflects current best practice and includes information that may not be available in quality-assured literature.

While unexplained infertility accounts for up to 28% of cases¹, potential causes must first be excluded. The care map offers a clear illustration of best practice for investigations and diagnosis, aiding healthcare professionals through the diagnostic and referral process, based on information from evidence-based sources including RCOG, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), and the European Association of Urology (EAU).

In 2011, published figures highlighted the inconsistency in IVF provision across the NHS, with some trusts not providing IVF on the NHS at all. Despite NICE guidance stating that couples should be given up to three cycles of IVF on the NHS where the woman is aged between 23 to 39 years, there are national variations in both the number of free IVF cycles offered and the age of women they are offered to. This ‘post-code lottery’ for IVF treatment has arisen due to trusts interpreting the NICE recommendations in varying ways. 

The Map of Medicine ‘Infertility’ care map is centred on the NICE guideline recommendations, clearly reflecting national best practice. As couples who are having difficulties conceiving can find the experience very distressing, education and psychological support are essential. This is emphasised in the Infertility care map, which also provides links to patient information resources. 

Visit the Map of Medicine ‘Infertility’ care map here.

[1] National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Fertility: assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems. Clinical guideline 11. London: NICE; 2004.

[2] Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority (HFEA). Fertility treatment in 2010 – trends and figures. London: HFEA; 2011.