IVF Add-ons: Costly Gamble or Fertility Hope?

Most 'add-on' treatments offered alongside in vitro fertilisation (IVF) lack proven fertility benefits and may be a costly waste of time for patients. Experts highlight that clinics, online forums, and social media frequently overstate the advantages of these unproven therapies, leading to widespread misinformation.

A comprehensive study published in Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health analyzed 85 clinical trials. It focused on interventions like steroids, plasma injections, and genetic testing. The research concluded that many of these add-ons showed either no effect on fertility, inconclusive results, or only a small, uncertain benefit.

Weak evidence suggested potential benefits for a few specific add-ons. EmbryoGlue might increase pregnancy probability by about 25%, and endometrial scratching showed a possible 20% increase in live birth probability. Furthermore, physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) presented limited evidence for a 40% reduction in miscarriage rates, though not improving live birth rates.

Many IVF patients rely heavily on clinic websites and social media for information, often encountering exaggerated claims about add-on benefits without clear cost or risk disclosures. An evidence-based website, free from commercial interests, has been shown to improve patient understanding and information satisfaction, addressing a significant unmet need in infertility care globally.