Male GPs in England less likely to refer patients for IVF, report finds

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s fertility guidelines have not been updated in 20 years. Photograph: David Gregs/Alamy

Male GPs are less likely to refer eligible patients for IVF, research by a fertility charity suggests, raising concerns about access to NHS-funded treatment.

The Progress Educational Trust’s (PET) report highlights “utter confusion” and a lack of knowledge among GPs about eligibility criteria for NHS-funded treatment, which it says is exacerbating the so-called IVF postcode lottery. GPs typically make the initial referral to fertility clinics, meaning that they play a crucial role in access.