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Nov 6, 2026
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Published on
7/11/2026
The LivingCare Group
It depends on what you pay for. A private fertility test is not an IVF cycle, and nothing in the NHS policy for West and South Yorkshire and Humber counts a test towards the number of NHS cycles you can have. A self-funded IVF cycle is different: the policy counts it towards the total number of cycles the NHS may offer. If you are thinking about paying for IVF, check your NHS eligibility with your GP first.
It is a question many people now face. In 2024, only 25% of IVF cycles in England were NHS-funded, and across the UK the NHS-funded share fell from 35% in 2019 to 28% [1].
This varies nationally. However, the local policy counts previous self-funded IVF cycles towards the number of cycles the NHS offers.
NICE's recently published guideline on fertility problems, NG257, which replaced its previous guideline (CG156) on 31/03/26, recommends that for a couple where the female partner is under 40 years and has previously had self-funded IVF: "do not rule out access to NHS-funded IVF treatment, but count any previous full IVF cycle (whether self-funded or NHS-funded) in the total number of full cycles offered by the NHS" [2].
In the Yorkshire and Humber policy, clause 5.7 reads: "The chance of pregnancy decreases with successive cycles so all previous self-funded or NHS funded cycles will be taken into consideration when assessing a couple's ability to benefit from treatment and will count towards the total number of cycles that may be offered by the NHS. This includes where either person has had a previous cycle with a previous partner." [3][4]
What this means for you depends on your own circumstances, and the decision sits with the NHS. An IVF cycle you pay for is a self-funded cycle under the policy, wherever you have it. So if you are considering paying for IVF, ask your GP about your NHS eligibility before you pay for a cycle.
One full cycle in each area, for people who meet the eligibility criteria. NICE recommends an initial three full cycles for eligible women under 40 [2], but the local policy states that "The number of NHS funded IVF cycles is a decision of Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, South Yorkshire ICB and West Yorkshire ICB respectively" [3]. An ICB (integrated care board) is the local NHS body that plans and funds services.
In South Yorkshire, the change "is applicable to new referrals and any existing service users will continue with their treatment plans" [5]. In both areas, a full cycle means "one episode of ovarian stimulation with transfer of a fresh embryo and sequential replacement of ALL frozen embryos from that stimulation cycle (if clinically recommended) until either pregnancy is successful or no embryos remain" [3][4].
The Yorkshire and Humber policy sets the same criteria in both areas. Among them [3][4]:
Each ICB's policy sets out the full criteria, and your GP can tell you how they apply to you.
No. A private fertility test, such as a blood test, a scan or a semen analysis, is not an IVF cycle. The policy counts previous IVF cycles, and nothing in it counts a test towards that number.
Some testing is usually available on the NHS.
Some people choose to test privately to get answers at a time that suits them, or to plan ahead before deciding about treatment. If you do, and later go on to NHS care, share your results with your GP.
A fertility assessment at LivingCare is a set of tests (investigations), not an IVF cycle. It is consultant-led and takes place at our Thorpe Park Clinic in Leeds [6]. Our Fertility Assessment packages start from £595 [6]:
If you would rather start with a conversation, a Fertility Assessment (Initial Consultation) is £225 [6]. "No GP referral is needed. You can self-refer directly" [6].
Not sure which option is right for you? Our specialists offer "Complimentary 10-minute fertility consultations" by phone "every Saturday, 8:30 - 9:30am" [7].
If treatment such as IVF, IUI or egg freezing is the next step, we work in partnership with JIVA Fertility [7]. You can see everything we offer on our Fertility Services page.
What if our circumstances are exceptional? Both ICBs say that patients with exceptional circumstances "should speak to their doctor about submitting an individual funding request" [3][4].
When should we seek fertility advice in the first place? NICE advises further assessment for both partners after a year of trying, and referral straight away where the woman is 36 or over or either partner has a known or suspected cause of infertility or a history of predisposing factors for it [2]. Our article When Should You Seek Fertility Advice? Signs It May Be Time to Speak to a Specialist covers the signs, and "Fertility Tests: What They Can And Can't Tell You" explains what tests can show.
If you want to understand your fertility before deciding on treatment, book a Fertility Assessment at our Thorpe Park Clinic in Leeds. Or, if you are not sure where to start, book a free 10-minute call with our specialists on a Saturday morning.
Medically reviewed by: Dr Harish Bhandari, Consultant Gynaecologist, Fertility Specialist & Sub-Specialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery. Last reviewed: 03/11/26.
