The experiences of couples who have had infertility treatment in the United Kingdom: results of a survey performed in 1997

A questionnaire was sent to 2000 members of two of the largest national inf ertility support organizations as part of the National Infertility Awarenes s Campaign (NIAC), 1997. A total of 980 questionnaires was completed and re turned to the market research company, Ballington Hall. Some 69% of the res pondents were aged between 30 and 39 years. One-third of the couples bad be en trying for a baby for more than 3 years, including one-tenth who had bee n trying to conceive for more than 10 years. Some 40% of respondents were s uccessful in conceiving, although a significant proportion of these took mo re than 6 years. About 75% of those surveyed had been forced to pay for som e or all of their infertility treatments and investigations, whereas 18% ha d their treatments funded fully by the National Health Service (NHS). Fundi ng sources for the remaining 7% mere unknown. Just over one-third of respon dents felt that their GP provided sufficient information about the causes o f infertility investigations and treatment, while We majority said that the ir specialists had been helpful. One in three said that they did not fully understand the medical nature of their own or their partner's infertility. A wide range of negative emotions was experienced by respondents. One in fi ve said they experienced suicidal feelings; one in three said that infertil ity had strained their relationship; and just over one-quarter found that t heir relationship improved as a result of the treatment. Some 71% said that they would request counselling if it were offered free, but only 12% had b een provided with free counselling on the NHS.