NHS funding for egg freezing, for those suffering from endometriosis.

I want the Government to fund or subsidise egg freezing for people with endometriosis, ensure early fertility discussions at diagnosis, and create clear NHS pathways so patients can preserve their fertility before the condition causes lasting damage.

Endometriosis can harm fertility long before someone is ready to have children, yet egg freezing is often unaffordable and not supported by the NHS. We urge the UK Government and NHS leaders to recognise egg freezing as essential care for endometriosis patients. Making it accessible and affordable would protect future family choices and support the wellbeing of those living with this painful and often misunderstood condition.

Funding decisions for health services in England are made by integrated care boards (ICBs) and are based on the clinical needs of their local population. We expect ICBs to commission fertility services in line with NICE guidelines, ensuring equal access to fertility treatment across England.

NICE fertility guidelines currently only recommend oocyte or embryo cryopreservation to women of reproductive age who are preparing for medical treatment for cancer that is likely to make them infertile.

However, NICE are currently reviewing the guidelines and the evidence on fertility preservation for populations beyond those with cancer. A consultation on the draft revised guidelines was published on 10 September and closed on 21 October 2025. The draft guideline widened the recommendation for cryopreservation to those people who have a medical condition that is likely to make them infertile, which would include endometriosis. We expect NICE to publish the final updated guidelines in spring 2026.

The Government acknowledges the challenges faced by women with endometriosis and the impact it has on their lives, their relationships and their participation in education and the workforce. We are committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care for gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis. It is unacceptable that women can wait so long for an endometriosis diagnosis, and we have already taken action to address this.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated their guidelines on endometriosis in November 2024. Research has led to new treatments being made available, including the NICE approval of two pills to treat endometriosis this year: Relugolix and Linzagolix. Both are estimated to help around 1,000 women with severe endometriosis for whom other treatment options have not been effective.

As announced in September, we will establish an “online hospital” – NHS Online – which will give people on certain pathways the choice of getting the specialist care they need from their home. It will connect patients with clinicians across the country through secure, online appointments accessed through the NHS App. In January 2026 we announced the nine conditions that NHS Online will initially focus on. Menstrual problems which may be a sign of endometriosis will be among the conditions available for referral to NHS Online from 2027.

Department of Health and Social Care