Staff at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University of Bristol, are once again celebrating success following publication of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s ‘Guide to Infertility’ 2005/6 on 24 May, 2005.

The latest HFEA patients’ guide names the Centre top in the South West for the under 35s with a live birth success rate of 33.8% and rates it in the Top 10 nationally out of some 74 clinics providing both IVF and ICSI services*.

The figure of 33.8%, which takes into account IVF and ICSI treatments carried out in 2002/3, is especially significant given that the under 35s represent the core patient group. Internal, unratified statistics suggest that the Bristol Centre will report an increased success rate of 36% for the same under 35 group in 2004/5.

“We’re naturally delighted with the HFEA’s findings confirming our high performance,” said Business Manager and Nursing Director Liz Corrigan, “but we believe it is very important not to see these results as a league table. There are simply too many variables. Prospective parents also need to consider a range of other factors when making their choice such as accessibility, atmosphere and the approachability of staff who will be treating them.

We accept all patients, however difficult treatment might be, provided there is a reasonable chance of pregnancy. Each one is fully investigated to ensure the most appropriate treatment and is given an indication of the chance of success.”

What the HFEA results do show is that thanks to IVF and ICSI, infertile couples coming to the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at the University of Bristol have as good a chance of becoming parents as the general population.