Will NHS strikes delay my fertility journey?

Whether you’re currently undergoing fertility treatment, waiting to begin your IVF journey, or seeking timely advice about fertility concerns, you’ll have likely heard about the upcoming NHS doctors’ strikes - and may be feeling anxious about how they could affect you and the next steps in your path to parenthood.

We have already received enquiries from individuals concerned about how delays to appointments, consultations, tests, and treatment might impact their fertility journey. We have therefore written this blog to explain what’s happening and the options you can consider if you’re worried about delays to your care.

What are the NHS doctor strikes and why are they happening?

The British Medical Alliance (BMA) has announced planned strike action by NHS resident doctors in England from 7am on the 14th November to 9am on the 19th November 2025.

During this period, a range of NHS services will be disrupted as doctors take part in industrial action. Fertility and gynaecology services are likely to be among the most affected, as unfortunately, even a single cancelled appointment can lead to weeks of additional waiting.

These strikes are part of ongoing national discussions between doctors and the government about working conditions and pay.

How could my fertility journey be affected during the NHS strikes?  

Although NHS Trusts will undoubtedly be working hard to minimise the impact of the strikes, unfortunately, fertility and gynaecology services will likely be affected.

Scheduled IVF treatment
As fertility treatment is carefully timed - particularly around egg retrieval days – and depends on coordinated clinical teams, even short-term disruptions during the strikes could impact your scheduling and treatment.

We appreciate that this can be a stressful concern and encourage you to speak to your NHS consultant directly to see if and how your treatment plan is likely to be impacted.

Appointments and early-stage fertility investigations
If you’ve been considering seeking advice from your doctor about fertility concerns - whether due to difficulty conceiving or recurrent miscarriages - it's important to be aware that early-stage discussions, tests, and investigations may also be delayed, which could push back diagnoses and treatment, potentially impacting your fertility journey.

What can I do to avoid the NHS strikes delaying my fertility treatment?

We understand how stressful it can feel when your fertility treatment is put on hold - especially when timing is so critical. Early advice, diagnosis, and treatment can make a meaningful difference to your treatment outcomes.  

At CREATE Fertility, we are here to support all patients – whether you are currently under NHS care, waiting for treatment or would like to discuss your fertility concerns. We have no waiting times and aim to respond to any patient enquiry within 48 hours, so you can move forward without unnecessary delay. 

If you are concerned about NHS waiting times and wish to avoid any NHS delays or simply explore your options with us, you can speak to a member of our team by calling 0333 240 7300, completing our contact form, or booking an appointment online instantly.