In Vitro Fertilisation Market Study - 1st Edition

LaingBuisson’s new in-depth study into the UK’s fertility services market. First edition. Published 18 May 2018. (140pp)

“Producing the next generation, fundamental to the long-term survival of our species, may not happen easily for as many as one in seven couples according to NHS Choices. The fertility services sector is dynamic, with clinics and clinicians constantly looking for ways to improve their success rates and value added services.”

Hugh Risebrow
– Report author

Dynamic and innovative – growth is accelerating in the UK IVF market

The UK market for fertility treatment (principally in vitro fertilisation (IVF)) but also intra uterine insemination (IUI)) is experiencing accelerating growth, with volumes growing by around 3% per year. Key drivers currently include the greater acceptability of IVF as a route to having a family, especially as the number of people delaying starting a family is rising and more same-sex couples opt to have families. Success rates, which have improved by a factor of 2.5x since 1991, are also encouraging more childless people to turn to IVF.

As of 2016, the market was worth £320m, made up of 68,000 IVF cycles and 13,500 IUI cycles. The market is served by 82 fertility clinics and 30 satellite clinics, making it fragmented and the largest groups account for less than 25% of the cycles. While major hospital groups such as HCA, BMI and Nuffield are involved in the market, they do not seem to be growing their presence.

There remain also a large number of owner-managed clinics, many of which were established in the high-growth years of the mid-1990s, meaning that some owners may be considering exiting. This offers opportunities for would-be investors.

Future growth is likely to be fuelled by further innovation. Clinics and clinicians are always looking for ways of improving their success rates and to add value for their clients. Innovations in genetic testing are reducing the risk of passing on inherited diseases, yet pre-implantation genetic diagnostics still only account for around 1% of IVF cycles. Also, by international standards, the UK has low treatment rates pointing to scope for future growth as confidence in IVF, its success rates and benefits increases.

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