24 June 2023

Latest official figures on UK fertility treatments reaffirm the effect of female age on outcomes

The HFEA’s latest 2023 report, which records all fertility treatments performed each year in UK clinics, reveals record numbers of patients freezing their eggs for future use.

Egg freezing, the reliable fertility preservation procedure affording women the opportunity to put their fertility on hold is now the UK’s fastest growing fertility treatment, according to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), the UK regulator. The HFEA’s latest report (HFEA, 2023. Fertility treatment 2021: preliminary trends and figures), which records all fertility treatments performed each year in UK clinics, reveals record numbers of patients freezing their eggs for future use, with 4215 identified in 2021 compared with 2447 in 2019, a rise of 64%.

The nation-wide upturn seen in egg freezing is reflected in our own figures at London Women’s Clinic, where women turning to egg freezing continue to increase steadily. More and more young women, for reasons defined by their age and personal circumstances, are choosing to freeze their eggs until they feel right for pregnancy and a family.

However, the data also show that the numbers of women donating eggs for treatments in women unable to produce their own eggs declined a little (-6%) between 2020 and 2021. Our Freeze and Share programme at partner clinic, London Egg Bank aims to address this decline by providing free egg freezing in return for a donation of half the number of eggs collected to the egg bank for egg donation treatment.

__IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER_1__

The figures continue to emphasise the effect of female age on the outcome of all fertility treatments – a heavily important implication for those considering egg freezing. Thus, while the average overall IVF pregnancy rate with fresh embryo transfers increased from 10% in 1991 to 29% in 2021, there was also huge variation according to female patient age. Those aged 18-34 had the highest pregnancy rate (per embryo transferred) at 41% in 2021, but those aged over 40 recorded much lower rates (5-15%). It was also found that the average age of IVF patients increased to 36 years in 2021, while the overall average age of natural childbirth was 30.9 years.

These figures reflect a generally rising age for childbirth but also suggest an age-related increase in infertility, as more and more women and couples defer their plans for a family. There’s an indication in the HFEA figures that many women as they get older are turning to IVF in response to their own inability to conceive naturally. Studies report unequivocally that female fertility begins its decline to the menopause at around the age of 35.

The greatest increase in IVF use was found among single patients (44%) and those in female same-sex relationships (33%). Significantly, both patient groups, who represent a core treatment specialty at London Women’s Clinic, are rarely defined as ‘infertile’ but are part of a growing body of patients for whom ‘infertility’ treatments are appropriate. Our results of single women and lesbian couples at London Women's Clinic (LWC) between 2004 and 2016, have been the subject of a 2021 comprehensive publication spanning 13 years of retrospective research into 3333 women (45% single, 43% from same-sex and 12% from heterosexual couples), (Linara-Demakakou et al., 2021).

The HFEA report noted that ‘very few single and same sex patients qualify for NHS funding’, while generally recording a decline of 4000 fewer IVF cycles funded through the NHS between 2019 and 2021 - a 17% reduction of NHS funded cycles in England, 36% in Wales and 1% in Scotland. ‘So although more people than ever are having fertility treatment, our data shows that more people than ever are now also paying for it,’ said the report.

Age remains a defining factor in UK fertility treatment, and one reason why egg freezing is so increasingly popular. Celebrities today are using their platforms to speak out on the impact age has on a woman’s fertility status, including Jennifer Anniston who missed the boat on egg freezing at a younger age and Priyanka Chopra taking the advice of her obstetrician-gynaecologist mother to freeze her eggs in her early 30s. This process requires a significant commitment from our fully conversant embryologists, responsible for the safe long-term storage of oocytes and embryos.

At London Women's Clinic, we advise freezing eggs as early as possible, ideally during a woman’s mid-20s to early 30s, as after the age of 35 egg quality and egg quantity both begin their decline, evident in an increase in genetic abnormalities and a decline in ovarian reserve. The former is usually expressed in chromosome irregularities while the latter is the natural exhaustion of follicles as the ovary makes its steady progress to menopause.

The message here for egg-freezers is that age - and particularly the age of egg - is a crucial factor in determining success. We see this most clearly in figures for egg donation, where HFEA data (HFEA, 2022. Trends in egg, sperm and embryo donation 2020) shows comparable birth rates in different age groups of recipient patient, whether in her 30s or 40s. It’s the age of egg which matters, not the age of the recipient. Our own results from vitrified donor eggs in different age groups, are captured in our recent study noting factors predicting clinical outcomes at London Egg Bank, (Pataia et al., 2021).

Want to know more?

If you are considering egg freezing visit London Women's Clinic
If you are interested in our egg donation services or Freeze and Share programme please see London Egg Bank

All of our blog posts are written, edited, or produced by the London Women's Clinic Content Team. This is a collaboration between our expert writers, health editors, and the leading researchers and senior doctors at our Harley Street clinic.

‘We started our IVF process with LWC around a year ago. It felt very daunting and a long road ahead, and the entire team were so supportive and explained everything so clearly. When we were undergoing the egg retreival and transfer, the team were so kind and we felt really looked after. We have now welcomed our little girl and after years of trying, we wouldn't have gotten here without the support and guidance given by LWC. Thank you all!’

Alice Maker

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Dr Suraya made our appointment a really enjoyable experience. She made us both feel at ease and was so knowledgeable throughout the scan. Dr Suraya is a real asset to LWC’

Liz Troup

22 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘I received excellent care from all the staff at London Women's Clinic, we felt very welcomed as a same sex couple. We are so grateful to have been able to have our wonderful daughter. I would definitely recommend the clinic to anyone starting fertility treatment!’

Megan Knox

21 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘I've recently completed a round of egg freezing with London Women's Clinic harrow and I couldn't recommend them as a clinic more. Carla and Ana-Maria quite literally held my hand throughout the entire process, making me feel really relaxed and supported. It's made such a stressful experience super positive and if anyone is thinking of using them, I'd absolutely recommend them!’

Brooke Day

19 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘I undertook Kind IVF, which even though is nurse led as opposed to consultant led, the care, professionalism and knowledge is there. The nurses consult with consultants during your protocol, so the difference really is you see the nurses instead. The medication doses are less and less medication, but this doesn't mean it will be less effective, it is an option worth exploring, as the cost is less and can open the door when more traditional ivf is out of reach. I am currently pregnant having gone through the kind ivf protocol one time.’

APINTOF MEGAN

19 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘Exceptional service from start to finish. Highly recommend Harley street team for looking after us. Absolutely loved your service and care. Thank you London woman's clinic :)’

Anh Nguyen

19 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘The team at the Cambridge LWC branch have been incredibly supportive, encouraging and helpful throughout our journey, and have been with us through the ups and downs. It's a very safe and inclusive space, and we feel very well cared for. We can't recommend them enough! Sarah and Jacqui’

Sarah Peace

16 January 2026, LWC Cambridge

‘We will be forever grateful to London Women's Clinic Bromley for helping us achieve what once felt impossible -- welcoming our beautiful, healthy baby boy in November 2025. Our IVF journey was emotional, overwhelming at times, and deeply personal, but from the very first appointment we were met with nothing but kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. Every step was clearly explained, we were kept fully informed throughout, and there was always someone available to answer our questions or simply reassure us when we needed it most. We never once felt like just another patient -- we felt truly cared for. Dr Malini, Sarah, Nicky (Nikita) and Dom were exceptional and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Their warmth, patience, and genuine kindness made the process so much easier to cope with. They made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of our lives. Every nurse, embryologist, and member of staff we encountered was wonderful. We honestly cannot recommend London Women's Clinic Bromley enough to anyone struggling with fertility or facing similar challenges. The dedication, empathy, and expertise of this team has changed our lives forever. We hope to take the clinic up on their offer to visit with our little miracle, who we are endlessly thankful they helped bring into this world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lucy & Sayed ’

Lucy morgan

16 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘My journey with egg freezing in the LWC has been amazing. I had started consultations with another provider before but didn't feel comfortable there, and I'm SO GLAD I listened to my instinct and went to this clinic! The whole team was so knowledgeable and supportive throughout, but also just lovely. I would recommend the clinic, ESPECIALLY if you are worried about the process and feel emotional, the understanding and support here is way beyond what I was hoping for!!!’

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘My journey with the LWC in London Bridge + Harley Street has been outstanding. The team is so lovely, I felt welcomed and understood from the first to the last call and through every appointment in between. I would recommend it to every friend!’

Charlotte M

15 January 2026, LWC Harley Street

‘Nicki has a beautiful and excellent personality, she was so kind, polite and sweet. I felt so happy after the scan . Bless her. Right woman for the job.’

Steave Oyinloye

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Nikita was fab - really put me at ease with my scan and able to relax. Feel very supported’

S S

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Just had my scan with Nikki and she was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.’

Lisa

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Nikita was excellent and mindful during our initial scan/consultation explained everything well.’

james harris

15 January 2026, LWC Bromley

‘Myself and partner have had a lovely experience with LWC Canterbury they are thoughtful and caring. Always made us feel comfort and welcome even through the difficulties that we have faced on our journey, however we will be forever grateful for all they have done and are contiuing to do.’

Natasha Elliott

14 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘This was my first fertility treatment, and I cannot express enough how thankful I am to have chosen LWC and to have been treated at the Harrow clinic. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering starting their fertility journey! From the start, I appreciated how transparent the admin team was about all the costs involved at every stage, giving clear ranges when the decision depended on how the treatment would go. I am also extremely grateful for their support in helping with securing financing, even when I decided to move forward at short notice. They took the time to schedule calls to answer my questions, and I truly felt listened to and cared for as a patient. At the Harrow clinic, I experienced an exceptionally caring and positive environment. All the nurses were highly professional while also being incredibly comforting and supportive. I would especially like to thank Ana Maria, who was there throughout the process, offering practical advice based on her own experience, a hug when needed, and making the entire journey feel much more like home. I would also like to thank Carla for her positivity, high energy, and encouragement during difficult moments, and Laura for her empowering and reassuring approach to the injections. Dr Goswami was also outstanding--extremely professional and clear in her advice. She carefully adjusted the treatment to aim for the best possible outcome while prioritising safety and minimising risks. I am also very grateful for the support groups organised by the clinic. Through these, I met incredibly brave and empowered women and couples. Sharing this journey with some of them made the experience far more bearable and positive. Thank you to everyone at the Harrow clinic and LWC for your incredible support!!’

Marina Riabiz

14 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘We had a very positive experience at this IVF clinic and would highly recommend it. From the very beginning, we felt well supported and looked after throughout the entire journey. A special thank you to Safak, our patient coordinator, who was incredibly helpful and always very quick to respond. We would also like to thank Princess, the receptionist, as well as the Italian receptionist whose name we unfortunately don't remember, for always being kind and welcoming. We are extremely grateful to Dr Suraya, who performed many of our scans and was exceptional throughout the process, and to Dr Rao, who followed our journey step by step with great care, professionalism and attention. Finally, a big thank you to all the nurses, especially Hannah,Ella and Paige, for their support, kindness and professionalism. Overall, we felt very well cared for and supported, and we truly recommend this clinic to anyone considering IVF!’

Alicia Gioia

12 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘The reception staff are amazing nothing is to much trouble. Always answered any queries we had. The whole team were brilliant from our first initial appointment too our very last. They made us feel so comfortable.’

Rachel Powell

12 January 2026, LWC Bristol

‘We don't know where to begin, this place truly is wonderful. So so comforting and welcoming. Every single staff member went above and beyond and really felt like family. We couldn't be more appreciative of everyone who helped us on our way to creat our little one, who is cooking away nicely at 20 weeks. From choosing a sperm donor to my egg collection and then to getting my wife pregnant with the embryos a few months later, it was so stress free and we felt supported every single step of the way. We can't thank all the lovely wonderful ladies at the Brentwood clinic enough for what they have helped us achieve- and of course the amazing people at the Harley street clinic for doing the procedures who were just as welcoming! Thank you all so so much, we can't wait to bring our little man to meet you all when we are ready to try for baby number 2 xxxxx’

molly bannister

9 January 2026, LWC Brentwood

‘Following a seminar I attended at LWC, I arranged a consultation with Dr. Naware who specialises in fertility for women over 40. It was a refreshing experience. Dr. Naware is empathetic, kind and thorough. The follow up from the clinic was excellent, with Safak, Patient Coordinator, providing regular updates.’

A Patel

9 January 2026, LWC London Bridge

‘We are incredibly grateful to London Women's Clinic - Canterbury for their outstanding care and support throughout our IVF journey. Both the Canterbury and Bromley teams surrounded us with genuine kindness, understanding, and constant attention. We always felt listened to and truly cared for, and the level of professionalism was exceptional at every stage. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, we had the chance to welcome our beautiful little daughter into the world. We cannot recommend this clinic highly enough.’

Natalia Twardochleb

8 January 2026, LWC Canterbury

‘We can't recommend the London Women's Clinic enough. My partner and I are a same-sex female couple and are currently pregnant with our baby due in July -- after only two attempts. From the moment we chose the London Women's Clinic, the experience was incredible. The Harrow branch in particular felt so welcoming and supportive. Carla Lang, Ana-Maria, Laura Adagbon, and Dr Gill were absolutely amazing -- accommodating, kind, friendly, and genuinely caring. They went above and beyond throughout our entire journey, even responding to emails outside of working hours, which meant so much to us. We had previously completed blood tests and scans at another clinic but didn't feel it was the right fit. The London Women's Clinic didn't push us to repeat everything unnecessarily -- they accepted our previous tests, which really showed that they are not money-driven. On that note, their pricing is also very affordable compared to other clinics. Dr Gill is incredibly thorough and precise, taking so many factors into account when planning treatment, which gave us complete confidence. Our insemination was carried out at the Harley Street London Women's Clinic by Dr Yogita Date, who was equally wonderful. She made us feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely wished us luck during the procedure. Overall, this clinic felt more like family than a medical service. Even now, they continue to check in on us and our pregnancy, which says everything about the level of care they provide. We are beyond grateful and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the London Women's Clinic to anyone starting their fertility journey.’

Maisie Thomas

8 January 2026, LWC Harrow

‘The team at LWC Harley Street have been outstanding. They have supported my wife and I through our IVF journey at every step, keeping us informed and making the entire journey feel seamless. A special thanks to Dr Serra, Nurse Mimi, Vita and the rest of the LWC team that have helped us along the way. We are now 20 weeks into our pregnancy and LWC have continued to follow up to ensure all is well. A big thank you once again and we highly recommend LWC Harley Street to anyone considering IVF.’

Keyur Nakum

29 December 2025, LWC Harley Street

‘Cannot fault the ladies here at all. I felt so so welcome and looked after during the visit and consultation. The nurses were so compassionate and lovely, and I really felt like I was being listened to and understood. Would recommend to anyone looking to start a fertility journey/make some enquiries into their fertility healthxx’

Ellie Brown

19 December 2025, LWC Canterbury

‘Myself and my partners experience with LWC in Canterbury has been AMAZING! They have been so supportive and friendly throughout our whole IVF journey and gave us no stress throughout any part of it. Would very highly recommend as our first round of ISCI IVF worked ’

Mia Summers

19 December 2025, LWC Canterbury