Date Published: 10 June 2010

New Guide to help 1 in 6 with fertility problems

It is estimated that around one in six UK couples, experience some form of fertility problems at some point in their lives. To help anyone considering treatment, and those going through treatment, the UK fertility regulator, HFEA has published a new Getting Started guide.

For people considering fertility treatment there can be an overwhelming amount of information from various sources, surrounding the many treatment options available. It is no surprise that many people seeking fertility treatment feel in the dark about the choices available at what can be a difficult and emotional time.

‘Getting Started – Your Guide to Fertility Treatment’ is a free easy to follow booklet containing clear, independent information to take people through the process of fertility treatment from choosing a clinic, the treatment options available and where to get support and further information.

The new booklet contains sections on:

• How to choose a clinic and what to expect
• Questions to ask the clinic
• Treatment options
• Getting support and advice

Prof. Lisa Jardine, Chair of the HFEA said:

“ There is no more personal decision than the one to start a family. Many people also have to come to terms with fertility problems. When you’re considering fertility treatment, it can feel as though every answer leads to more questions. The choices available can make it a very confusing time. This new guide, along with our website, aims to help make the decisions people need to make on their journey through fertility treatment less complicated.”

Susan Seenan from Infertility Network UK said:

“ We speak to people every day who are looking for information about the treatment they are considering. It’s important that people have independent, clear information to help them with the many choices they need to make. The new HFEA guide will be an invaluable resource for the thousands of people who seek fertility treatment every year.”

Note about the source of this item: The HFEA is the UK government's independent regulator for IVF treatment and embryo research. Their role is to protect patients and the public interest, to drive improvement in the treatment and research sectors and to provide information to the public and policymakers about treatment and research. The HFEA was set up in August 1991 as part of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (UK Law), 1990. The HFEA's principal tasks are to license and monitor clinics that carry out in vitro fertilisation (IVF), donor insemination (DI) and human embryo research. The HFEA also regulates the storage of gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos.

News is included on the IvyRose website to inform visitors about current health issues, but not to endorse any particular view or activity. Any views expressed in the article above are not necessarily those of IvyRose Ltd.. Material in this news item was released by the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) on 10 June 2010 and may have been edited (e.g. in style, length, and/or for ease of understanding by our international readers) for inclusion here. For further information, please visit their website.