NHS strikes and fertility treatment: What to do if your IVF is delayed

Ongoing NHS strike action may delay fertility referrals, investigations (blood tests/scans), and NHS IVF scheduling. If your appointment is postponed, you can still make meaningful progress by completing key fertility tests, getting a clear treatment plan, and exploring private options to avoid losing time.

Why are NHS strikes still happening

Recent news suggests NHS strike action could continue for longer than expected with British Medical Association (BMA) members voting in overwhelming support for future action, which could create ongoing disruption across planned care. While urgent and emergency services are prioritised, non-urgent appointments and elective services (including fertility care) may face cancellations or longer waits.

If you’re currently waiting for fertility-related care, it’s completely normal to feel anxious. Fertility is already emotionally demanding, and delays can add extra stress.

How could NHS strikes affect fertility care?

Fertility care often relies on tight timing, specialist teams, and follow-up appointments. Even a short cancellation can have knock-on effects, especially if your care involves multiple steps across different departments.

1. GP appointments and fertility referrals
   You may see delays with:
   • GP appointments to start your fertility investigations
   • referral letters being processed
   • your first NHS fertility clinic appointment
   If you’re early in your journey, this is often where delays first appear.
2. Fertility tests and investigations (scans + blood tests)
   Testing may be delayed or rescheduled, including:
   • hormone blood tests (including AMH)
   • pelvic ultrasound scans
   • tubal patency tests (e.g. HyCoSy / HSG)
   • semen analysis
   • follow-up appointments to review results
   This matters because you often can’t move forward until results are complete.
3. NHS IVF scheduling and treatment dates
   If you’re already waiting for NHS IVF, strike disruption may affect:
   • consultation availability
   • baseline scans
   • monitoring appointments
   • booking theatre time for egg collection
   • embryo transfer scheduling
   • continuity of care (seeing different clinicians)
   Even if some parts of treatment still run, reduced staffing can create delays and rearrangements.

 

 

If your fertility appointment is cancelled due to strikes:

Here’s a simple action plan you can follow immediately.

Step 1: Confirm what is cancelled (and what isn’t)
Call your clinic and ask:

• Is this appointment cancelled or moved?
• What is the next available date?
• Will your place in the pathway remain the same?
• Is there anything you should do before the new appointment?

Step 2: Don’t “pause your fertility journey” if you don’t have to
Even if your NHS appointment is delayed, you may still be able to complete key steps now, especially tests that help you make decisions faster later.

Many patients use this time to:

• get fertility blood tests (including AMH)
• have a pelvic scan
• complete semen analysis
• get a second opinion and clear plan

This can reduce lost time and improve clarity about next steps.

Step 3: Consider a private consultation to get answers sooner
If you’re worried about delays, a private appointment can help you:

• understand your results clearly
• plan your next steps (including timelines)
• explore treatment options and suitability
• reduce uncertainty and stress

At CREATE Fertility, we can arrange appointments without any waiting times, so you can move forward with confidence rather than waiting in limbo.

 

Is it worth switching to private fertility treatment because of NHS strikes?

This depends on your personal situation, but here’s a straightforward way to think about it.

Private care may be worth considering if:

• you’re facing repeated cancellations
• you’re worried about time (age-related fertility decline)
• you’ve already been trying for a long time
• you want a plan now, even if treatment is later
• you’re feeling stuck or anxious without clear next steps

Some patients use private care for testing and planning only, a second opinion, or moving into treatment sooner.

You’re not alone and you still have options

NHS disruption can feel frustrating and unfair, especially when you’re already carrying the emotional weight of fertility challenges.

But even if your appointment has been delayed, there are still steps you can take now.

If you’d like to speak to our team, we’re here to help.

Call CREATE Fertility: 0333 240 7300. Or book a consultation online.