Common IVF Extras Lack Strong Evidence of Improving Fertility, Research Finds
Researchers found up to 90% of IVF patients try add-ons that cost thousands of dollars and rarely improve pregnancy odds.
- On Wednesday, a University of Melbourne-led study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health found most optional IVF add-ons lack evidence of increasing live birth chances.
- Up to 90 per cent of IVF patients try at least one add-on, often feeling pressured to "leave no stone unturned" to avoid future guilt during an emotionally and financially burdensome process.
- Researchers analyzing 85 clinical trials found no effect or inconclusive results for most procedures, though EmbryoGlue, endometrial scratching, and PICSI showed weak evidence of potential benefit.
- Experts report 92 per cent of Australian patients rely on clinic websites for information, while more than 60 per cent use Facebook and Reddit where accuracy is often variable.
- The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand supports calls for a national regulatory approach and independent educational resources to help patients avoid false hope and unnecessary financial strain.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Common IVF extras lack strong evidence of improving fertility, research finds
Australian women trying to start a family through IVF are being offered optional extras with little or no evidence that they work, new research has found. A University of Melbourne-led study analyzed data from trials, looking at the effectiveness of 10 of the most popular IVF add-ons. The team found there was some weak evidence to support three common add-ons, but little to no evidence that the remainder increased the chances of a successful pre…
The path to parenthood through assisted reproduction is often a roller coaster for the couple and often a bottomless financial well. In this quest to increase the chances of success, which by cycle are barely around 40% and decrease with age, more than 70% of patients end up resorting to complementary treatments. Promises of technology and drugs that private clinics offer at gold prices but which, in the vast majority of cases, lack scientific b…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Most ‘add-on’ IVF treatments do not improve fertility, study says
Researchers found that the ‘add-ons’ either had no effect on fertility, inconclusive results or a small but uncertain benefit for a handful of procedures
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