In IVF (in-vitro fertilization), there are many “add-on” treatments or tests that clinics may offer in addition to the standard treatment. These might sound promising, but research shows that most of these add-ons don’t improve your chances of success and can be expensive. In fact, many of them are not recommended at all.
Why Add-Ons Aren’t Always Worth It:
Lack of Evidence: Most of the add-ons don’t have enough solid research to prove they work. Many studies have shown mixed results or no improvement in pregnancy rates.
Increased Costs: These add-ons often come at a high price, and they usually don’t increase your chances of having a baby.
Safety Concerns: Some of these add-ons come with potential side effects that may harm your health or the pregnancy.
To evaluate which add-ons are helpful, a group of experts in the field of reproductive medicine, from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), published this paper in 2023. Lundin, K., Bentzen, J.G., Bozdag, G.,et al. (2023). Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine. Human Reproduction, 38(11), 2062–2104. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dead184
Why Their Opinion Is Considered Definitive, Valid, and Sound:
Expertise and Experience:
The authors are leaders in the field of reproductive medicine, with a deep understanding of infertility treatment, IVF procedures, and their limitations. Their team consists of doctors, embryologists, and researchers who have years of clinical experience and have contributed to the development of evidence-based practices in ART (assisted reproductive technology).
Evidence-Based Guidelines:
The recommendations made in this paper are based on rigorous, systematic reviews of the available literature, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and expert consensus.
Collaboration and Peer Review:
The guidelines were reviewed and approved by numerous independent international experts, ensuring that they are not only evidence-based but also subjected to the scrutiny of the global medical community. The paper underwent stakeholder reviews from 46 experts and incorporated 272 comments, demonstrating its thoroughness and validity.
Focus on Patient Safety:
The authors prioritize patient safety and well-being in their recommendations. Their conclusions are grounded in minimizing risks, avoiding unnecessary interventions, and ensuring that patients are not subjected to expensive, unproven treatments that may not offer benefits.
Wide International Acceptance:
ESHRE is one of the largest and most respected organizations in the field of reproductive medicine, and their guidelines are widely respected and followed by fertility clinics and professionals around the world.
Here is what they had to say about many “add-on” tests and treatments that are still being routinely recommended by many IVF clinics. All these “ treatments” do is help the clinics make more money , without increasing pregnancy rates !
Add-Ons That Don’t Help:
The Bottom Line:
Many IVF clinics promote these add-ons as a way to boost your chances of success. However, most of them don’t work, are not backed by strong evidence, and can unnecessarily increase your costs. It’s important to be cautious and informed when considering these options.
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