Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

It's Pride Month and we know the path to parenthood looks different for everyone 🌈

Fertility treatment can be an emotional journey, and having the right support can make a difference. If you're starting your own journey, organisations such as Stonewall, Two Dads UK, and LGBT Mummies provide continuous resources and support.

For more information on support: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/i-am/fertility-treatment-for-lgbt-people/

In our latest blog, a member of our Patient Engagement Forum writes about their experience navigating fertility treatment after their partner's elective vasectomy.

Read their story: https://bit.ly/HFEA-IVFStoryBlog

Our Patient Engagement Forum is made up of a pool of people, including patients, partners, surrogates, intended parents, donor-conceived people and parents of donor-conceived people.

There are several ways a clinic can help you find the right donor:

📋Clinic donor lists - Many clinics hold lists of s***m, egg or embryo donors to choose from and is the safest option.

👥 Someone you know - You can use a friend or someone you know, though restrictions apply for close relatives. Speak to your clinic for guidance.

🩺Donors from established s***m or egg bank - UK clinics can import s***m, eggs or embryos from overseas under strict conditions. You'll need a licensed clinic that offers import and export services.

Find a clinic that is right for you and will help guide you through your options. Learn more about finding a donor: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/using-donated-eggs-s***m-or-embryos-in-treatment

Using an unregulated s***m donor found on an app, website, or social media may cause serious medical, legal, and emotional risks that will have lifelong impacts for you and any children born.

Unregulated s***m donation is when the process of donating s***m takes place outside a HFEA licensed clinic. This means that the person receiving the donation will have no legal protection.

Our FAQs will help you understand the risks involved: www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/faqs-relating-to-unregulated-s***m-donation/

Today is International Day of Families and we're spotlighting our Family formations in fertility treatment 2022 report. The data reflects the different families throughout the UK using fertility treatment, with each having their own unique journey.

Find out more data by visiting our website and viewing the full report: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/family-formations-in-fertility-treatment-2022/

Today is International Nurses' Day 👨‍⚕️

We're celebrating fertility nurses across the UK and beyond who work alongside patients through every step of their fertility journey.

From treatment cycles to emotional support, their specialist knowledge help many through the fertility journey.

Drop a heart in the comments to honour fertility nurses throughout the UK. 💙

Today is World Ovarian Cancer Day 💙

Treatment can bring uncertainty for many women and questions about fertility are part of those concerns. Ovarian cancer treatment can affect your fertility, and it’s important to know the options available to you.

If fertility is something that matters to you, speak to your GP about the different fertility preservation options.

Learn more about these options below:
https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/fertility-preservation

What is Assisted Reproductive Technology? 🔬

Procedures such as IVF, ICSI, and IUI help unite an egg and s***m outside the body in the laboratory. These are known as ART.

Explore the wide variety of fertility treatments on our website below:
https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/

There are many reasons to choose a licensed fertility clinic - and having a Person Responsible (PR) is one of them.

From staff training to inspections, your clinic's Person Responsible (PR) makes sure everything runs safely.

Find out more and learn about a day in the life of a PR below👇
https://bit.ly/HFEA-PR-Blog