When to speak to your GP
Around one in seven couples experience fertility difficulties. While some people conceive quickly, others may take longer. However, if you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, it is important to seek medical advice.
Your GP will review your medical history and discuss your options. They may also arrange initial tests to help identify possible causes. Early assessment can help ensure you receive the right support.
Trusted fertility advice is available on the NHS.uk websiteWhat fertility services can help with
Fertility services help diagnose and treat conditions that affect your ability to conceive. These services also provide advice, investigations, and access to specialist treatment if required.
Support may include:
- fertility assessments
- diagnostic tests
- specialist consultations
- NHS-funded fertility treatment, including IVF where eligible
Treatment recommendations always reflect your individual clinical needs.
Accessing fertility services in Essex
If you live in Essex, you may be eligible for NHS-funded fertility treatment. Eligibility depends on clinical criteria and NHS commissioning policies.
Currently, NHS Essex is developing a single fertility policy. Until this policy is approved, legacy policies from previous Integrated Care Boards remain in place.
As a result, eligibility may vary depending on where you live and which GP practice you are registered with.
Please note: People who are temporarily resident in the UK and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge are not able to access NHS funded assisted conception services. More information can be found on gov.uk.
Fertility referral and assessment process
Your GP will carry out an initial fertility assessment. If appropriate, they will refer you to a hospital specialist for further investigation.
Following specialist assessment, a consultant may recommend fertility treatment. In this case, the consultant will submit a funding request to NHS Essex.
Individuals cannot submit funding requests themselves. However, your care team will guide you through the process.
If approved, you will be referred to an NHS-approved fertility clinic.
How fertility treatment funding decisions are made
Healthcare professionals assess each request carefully. Decisions are based on clinical evidence, safety, and NHS eligibility criteria.
Funding decisions ensure treatments are:
- clinically appropriate
- safe and effective
- consistent with NHS policy
Because NHS resources are limited, not everyone will be eligible for funded treatment.
Fertility policies currently in place
NHS Essex is working to introduce a single, county-wide fertility policy. Until then, legacy policies remain in use.
These include policies from:
- Mid and South Essex
- Hertfordshire and West Essex
- Suffolk and North East Essex
The new policy will ensure consistency across Essex.
Future fertility policy for Essex
The new fertility policy will provide a unified approach. It will ensure fair and equitable access to fertility services across Essex.
Once approved, NHS Essex will publish the policy on this website. Updated guidance will help patients and clinicians understand eligibility clearly.
Further information and support
If you have concerns about fertility, speak to your GP. They can assess your situation and explain available options.
You can also access trusted information on the NHS website.
Healthcare professionals can contact the Individual Funding Requests team for further guidance.