A survey of clinicians' views on age and access to IVF and the use of tests of ovarian reserve prior to IVF in the United Kingdom

A national survey was performed to determine current practice in the UK in terms of upper age limits for access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the use of tests of ovarian reserve. A postal questionnaire was sent to lead clinicians of all assisted conception units (ACU) listed on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) website. Responses were received from 72 out of 84 (85.7%) units. One-fifth of all responders indicated that 20% of all women seeking IVF were more than 40 years old. There was a wide variation in reported upper age limits for access to both NHS- (35 - 50 years) and self-funded (42 - 50 years) IVF. Tests of ovarian reserve were routinely used to exclude women from IVF, but the criteria varied. Few women requested oocyte freezing as a measure for preserving fertility.