IVF Add-Ons: Only 3 of 10 Common Treatments Show Weak Evidence of Benefit
A large meta-analysis has evaluated the evidence for ten common additional treatments, known as add-ons, used alongside in vitro fertilization (IVF). The study found that only three of these treatments have weak evidence of possibly increasing the chance of pregnancy, while the remaining seven show little or no evidence of benefit.
"Many IVF clinics operate in a highly commercialized environment. Unproven add-ons can lead to false hope, financial strain, and unnecessary medical procedures."
Key Findings
The meta-analysis, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health, was led by researchers at the University of Melbourne. The review initially identified 157 eligible trials, but excluded 72 due to concerns about data trustworthiness. The final analysis was based on 85 trials.
Three Add-Ons with Weak Evidence of Possible Benefit
- EmbryoGlue
- Endometrial scratching
- Physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI)
Seven Add-Ons with No Effect or Inconclusive Evidence
- Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)
- Endometrial receptivity testing
- Corticosteroid use
- Platelet-rich plasma injection into the ovary
- Platelet-rich plasma infusion into the uterus
- Acupuncture
- Intralipid infusions
Researcher Statements
Dr. Sarah Henson, the lead author, stated that the findings challenge beliefs about add-ons such as intralipid infusion, which has no evidence of benefit despite being a topic of discussion on social media.
Dr. Sarah Lensen, also from the University of Melbourne, noted that many IVF clinics operate in a highly commercialized environment. She stated that unproven add-ons can lead to false hope, financial strain, and unnecessary medical procedures. Dr. Lensen called for clinics to provide clearer, balanced, evidence-based information.
"The findings challenge beliefs about add-ons such as intralipid infusion, which has no evidence of benefit despite being a topic of discussion on social media."
Context and Cost
The researchers noted that a 2021 survey of 1,590 women found that 82% had used an additional treatment alongside IVF. Over 20 extra IVF procedures are available, costing between $150 and $5,000.
The review also found that private clinic websites and social media often overstate the benefits of these add-ons and omit information about costs and risks. The authors recommend that clinics carefully consider whether it is appropriate to offer unproven add-ons, as their availability may be perceived as an endorsement of benefit.