A comprehensive study published in the British Medical Journal has found that the vast majority of IVF add-on treatments do not improve the chances of having a baby. The research, which analyzed data from over 100 clinical trials involving more than 100,000 women, concluded that only a handful of these supplementary procedures offer any benefit, and even then the effects are small.
Key Findings on IVF Add-Ons
The study examined 30 different add-on treatments commonly offered to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). These include procedures such as endometrial scratching, assisted hatching, and the use of growth factors. According to the lead author, Dr. Sarah Johnson of the University of Oxford, “The evidence shows that most of these treatments do not increase live birth rates. Patients are often paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for procedures that have no proven benefit.”
Only two treatments—preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and time-lapse imaging—showed a modest improvement in live birth rates, but the increase was less than 5% in both cases. The researchers emphasized that even these benefits may not be clinically significant for many patients.
Financial and Emotional Impact
The findings have significant implications for the estimated 1 in 6 couples worldwide who experience infertility. In Australia, an IVF cycle can cost between $8,000 and $12,000, with add-ons adding an extra $1,000 to $5,000. “Many couples are willing to try anything to increase their chances, but they are being sold false hope,” said Dr. Johnson. The study calls for greater regulation and transparency in the fertility industry.
Professor Michael Chapman, a fertility specialist at the University of New South Wales, commented: “This research confirms what many of us have suspected for years. The onus is now on clinics to provide evidence-based treatments and to clearly communicate the lack of benefit for most add-ons.”
Calls for Regulatory Action
The study has prompted calls for the Australian government to review the regulation of IVF add-ons. Currently, there is no requirement for clinics to prove the effectiveness of these treatments before offering them. Health Minister Mark Butler said in a statement: “We will carefully consider the findings of this study and work with the sector to ensure patients are not misled.”
Patient advocacy groups have welcomed the research. Sarah White, director of the Fertility Support Network, said: “This is a wake-up call. People undergoing IVF are often desperate and vulnerable. They deserve honest information about what works and what doesn’t.”
