Professional View Survey: a snapshot of GPs' attitudes to fertility

The Professional View Survey was designed to capture a true picture of fertility issues in primary care. A nationally representative sample of 200 GPs was questioned about how many couples are seeking help for fertility problems, why they are seeking help, and what is causing the fertility problems. Since NICE guidelines are already in place for fertility management, the survey also gained an insight into GP's current practice when it comes to fertility management and referral pathways.

Infertility: an increasing problem

  • GPs believe the number of patients seeking help with fertility problems is increasing
  • 60% of GPS currently see 4 or more couples a year and 20% see 8 or more
  • On average GPs see 5.6 couples presenting with fertility problems a year

Increased patient awareness is driving couples to seek help

  • 62% of GPs believe that increased awareness is driving couples to seek help on fertility issues

Most patients are presenting with fertility problems whilst attempting to conceive their first child

  • 67% of GPs confirmed over 60% of couples present due to fertility issues arising when trying to conceive their first child
  • Of these: 72% think couples should have been trying for 12 months and 18% think over 12 months

Drivers of referral

The main reasons given by GPs for referring for further tests were as follows

  • 34% said due to the length of time trying to conceive
  • 32% said due to patient request
  • 28% said to determine underlying causes of infertility / problem

Attitudes towards IVF availability

  • Only 46% of GPs believed IVF should be available on NHS to couples where female under 40

Survey Methods

NOP World Health, a leading market research company, conducted an online survey of 200 UK General Practitioners in August 2005.

Online interviews were conducted amongst a nationally representative sample of 200 General Practitioners based at NHS primary care practices in the UK. The sample was quota-controlled on region (across 11 different geographical areas to get a full national distribution) and qualifying age (pre-1990 and 1990 or over).

Email invitations containing the survey link were sent out to a random sample of GPs (all GMS registered General Practitioners). Participating respondents were directed to the survey by clicking on this link. All of the doctors who responded to this survey were members of Doctors.net.uk with whom NOP World Health have a preferential access arrangement