Who can have IVF?
Guidelines suggest that couples may be eligible for IVF treatment on the NHS if: • the woman is between 23 and 39 years of age at the time of treatment, and • a cause for their fertility problems has been identified, or • they have had infertility problems for at least three years. However, the decision on eligibility is made locally, by primary care trusts, and priority is given to couples who do not already have children. IVF is not usually recommended for women who are over the age of 42, because the chances of a successful conception are thought too low to justify the treatment (see below).