Most IVF add-ons lack proven benefit, review finds

A comprehensive review of scientific evidence has found that most add-on treatments offered alongside standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) lack proof of benefit, raising concerns about widespread misinformation and financial strain for patients. The findings, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women's Health, are based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 trustworthy randomized controlled trials.

Researchers led by Dr. Sarah Lensen of the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital in Australia concluded that seven out of ten common IVF add-ons either show no effect on live birth rates or have inconclusive evidence due to low-quality data. These include acupuncture, corticosteroids, endometrial receptivity testing, intralipid infusion, platelet-rich plasma injections into the ovaries or uterus, and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

The analysis identified only three add-ons with weak evidence suggesting possible benefits. EmbryoGlue, an embryo transfer medium, may increase the probability of pregnancy and live birth, though the effect on live births was not robust. Endometrial scratching, a minor procedure on the uterine...