Report Overview

Rising number of fertility clinics, declining fertility rate, and growing rate of obesity and increased consumption of alcohol are projected to propel the expansion of the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

United Kingdom in vitro fertilization (IVF) market size was estimated at USD 620.03 million in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the size of United Kingdom in vitro fertilization market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.77% reaching a value of USD 1,038.68 million by 2029. Major growth drivers for the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization market include increasing awareness regarding assisted reproductive technology, growing favorable regulatory measures supporting IVF treatments, and the introduction of commercialized three-parent IVF procedures. The country has numerous fertility clinics and centers that offer a range of ART treatments, including IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). The increasing prevalence of infertility and a rise in the average age of parenthood have fueled the demand for IVF services in the United Kingdom. Changing social attitudes, advancements in IVF technologies, and improving success rates have also played a crucial role in the market's expansion. The United Kingdom has a supportive legal framework regarding ART and fertility treatment, ensuring the rights and safety of patients and regulating the practices of fertility clinics. The National Health Service (NHS) offers IVF treatment to eligible couples, also contributing to the accessibility and adoption of IVF services. The advancements in reproductive technologies, such as the utilization of time-lapse imaging, genetic screening, and embryo freezing, have improved success rates and expanded treatment options, attracting both domestic and international patients to seek IVF services in the United Kingdom. The market is further influenced by increasing public awareness about infertility treatments, higher disposable income levels, and the willingness of individuals to invest in fertility treatments to fulfill their desire for parenthood.

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market – Overview

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely practiced laboratory-based treatment for infertility. This assisted reproductive technology involves the extraction of one or more eggs from the ovaries, which are then fertilized by sperm in a controlled environment outside the body. It is a prominent fertility treatment within the clinical field. The IVF process encompasses several stages, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization through insemination, embryo culture, and ultimately, the transfer of the developed embryo into the uterus. The duration of the treatment spans several months. In cases where natural methods have been unsuccessful, IVF offers an alternative approach to achieving conception.

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market

Growth Drivers

Growing Rate of Obesity and Increased Consumption of Alcohol

United Kingdom in vitro fertilization (IVF) market is expected to witness a boost due to the growing prevalence of obesity and increased alcohol consumption. These factors have significant implications for fertility and can contribute to difficulties in conceiving naturally, thereby increasing the demand for fertility treatments like IVF. Obesity is associated with hormonal imbalances and other reproductive issues that can impact fertility. As the rate of obesity continues to rise in the United Kingdom, more individuals and couples may seek IVF as a viable option to overcome these challenges and fulfill their desire for parenthood. Similarly, increased alcohol consumption has been linked to fertility problems in both men and women. Alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance, impair sperm quality, and negatively affect egg development, leading to difficulties in achieving pregnancy. Consequently, the growing consumption of alcohol could drive the demand for IVF services in the United Kingdom.

Restraints

High Cost Associated with IVF Procedures

The high cost of IVF procedures restrains the United Kingdom's IVF market. Expenses involved, such as medication, tests, surgeries, and multiple treatment cycles, pose a significant financial burden on individuals and couples. Advanced technologies, specialized equipment, skilled professionals, and rigorous quality standards contribute to the elevated costs. Limited financial resources and inadequate insurance coverage deter some from pursuing IVF, impacting accessibility. Publicly funded IVF cycles are available in certain regions, but disparities exist. Lowering costs through innovation, cost-effective practices, government support, insurance coverage, and financial assistance programs can mitigate this constraint and foster market expansion.

Impact of COVID-19 on United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market

COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected United Kingdom in vitro fertilization (IVF) market. The restrictions and disruptions caused by the crisis have led to the postponement and cancellation of IVF treatments, creating delays for individuals and couples seeking fertility assistance. Financial constraints resulting from job losses and the economic downturn have also affected the accessibility of IVF services. Psychological factors, such as stress and concerns about the health risks associated with COVID-19 have influenced individuals' decisions regarding pursuing or delaying IVF treatments. However, with the implementation of safety protocols and the progress of vaccination efforts, the IVF market gradually recovered as the demand for fertility treatments persists.

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market

Segmental Coverage

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market – By Product

By product, the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization (IVF) market is divided into Equipment, Reagents & Media, and Accessories segments. The equipment segment holds the highest market share. IVF procedures require specialized equipment and instruments for stages like ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo culture, and transfer. The demand for such equipment remains consistently high to ensure success and efficiency. Advancements in technology have led to the development of innovative and sophisticated equipment specifically designed for IVF, enhancing precision and success rates. The increasing number of fertility clinics and assisted reproductive technology centers in the UK has also contributed to the demand for IVF equipment. Ongoing research and development introduce innovative technologies, driving the continuous demand for modern equipment. Also, the equipment segment includes imaging systems, incubators, cryosystems, IVF cabinet, ovum aspiration pump, sperm separation systems, and micromanipulator systems.

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market – By Cycle Type

Based on cycle type, the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization (IVF) market is divided into Fresh Donor, Frozen Donor, Fresh Non-donor, and Frozen Non-donor segments. The frozen non-donor segment held the highest share in the IVF market in 2022. This segment's dominance can be attributed to several factors, including its cost-effectiveness compared to fresh non-donor procedures and its minimally invasive nature. The fresh non-donor segment held the second-highest revenue share in 2021. The implementation of the vitrification process, endorsed by the International Federation of Fertility Societies, has enabled sperm donation even for HIV-positive patients by directly isolating sperm from plasma. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) offers hope to individuals with azoospermia in achieving conception. As women age, the success rate of IVF declines significantly, particularly in those over 40 years old. Consequently, donor eggs are commonly employed in this demographic. The shared donor egg program allows a single donor to contribute eggs to multiple recipients, ensuring fertility rates are not compromised. This program is not only cost-effective but also beneficial for the recipients.

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market – By Type

Based on type, the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization (IVF) market is segmented into Conventional IVF, IVF with ICSI, and IVF with donor eggs segments. The IVF with ICSI segment holds the highest share in the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization market. The IVF with ICSI segment holds the highest share of the UK IVF market. The Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the treatment of male infertility by allowing fertilization to occur even in cases of severe sperm abnormalities. This technique involves the direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, ensuring a higher chance of successful fertilization. Secondly, the increasing prevalence of male infertility issues has led to a growing demand for IVF treatments with ICSI. Also, advancements in ICSI technology, improved success rates, and increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients have further contributed to the segment's dominance in the UK IVF market.

United Kingdom In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market – By End User

Based on end user, the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization market is divided into Fertility Clinics, Hospitals, Surgical Centers, and Clinical Research Institutes segments. The fertility clinics segment dominated the United Kingdom IVF market in 2022. The growing demand for assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments has led to a significant increase in the number of fertility clinics and ART centers. The factors driving the growth of fertility clinics include their cost-effectiveness, specialized expertise available, and a reduced risk of Hospital-acquired Infections (HAIs). While IVF treatments can also be performed in hospitals, the preference for fertility clinics is attributed to their accessibility and comprehensive services. Hospitals, although offering infertility treatments, tend to be more expensive due to the high costs associated with employing skilled personnel and the challenges of dedicated staffing for IVF procedures.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the United Kingdom in vitro fertilization (IVF) market include Bourn Hall Clinic, CARE Fertility Group, HCA International Limited, TFP Fertility Group, CREATE Fertility, The Centre for Reproductive & Genetic Health, London Women's Clinic, Manchester Fertility, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and The Bridge Centre. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Scope of the Report

By Product

• Equipment

• Reagents and Media

• Accessories

By Cycle Type

• Fresh Donor

• Frozen Donor

• Fresh Non-donor

• Frozen Non-donor

By Type

• Conventional IVF

• IVF with ICSI

• IVF with Donor Eggs

By End User

• Fertility Clinics

• Hospitals

• Surgical Centers

• Clinical Research Institutes