referral criteria for IVF (fertility treatment)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Criteria for referral for IVF

• inform people that normally a full cycle of IVF treatment, with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), should comprise 1 episode of ovarian stimulation and the transfer of any resultant fresh and frozen embryo(s)
  
  
• in women aged under 40 years who have not conceived after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse or 12 cycles of artificial insemination (where 6 or more are by intrauterine insemination), offer 3 full cycles of IVF, with or without ICSI. If the woman reaches the age of 40 during treatment, complete the current full cycle but do not offer further full cycles
  
  
• in women aged 40-42 years who have not conceived after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse or 12 cycles of artificial insemination (where 6 or more are by intrauterine insemination), offer 1 full cycle of IVF, with or without ICSI, provided the following 3 criteria are fulfilled:
  • they have never previously had IVF treatment
  • there is no evidence of low ovarian reserve
  • there has been a discussion of the additional implications of IVF and pregnancy at this age

Reference:

• NICE (September 2017).Fertility - Assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems