HFEA statement on new study into fertility treatment add-ons

Professor Tim Child, HFEA Authority Member and Chair of the HFEA Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee, said:

“The findings in these studies match those found in the UK where the HFEA has raised concerns for many years about some clinics offering unproven treatments to patients. The HFEA’s add-ons rating system looks at the scientific evidence of add-ons and has also found that most offer no proven benefit to patients, and some can even be harmful.

“For all the treatment add-ons the HFEA has reviewed, none indicate they increase the chances of having a baby for most fertility patients. Although there are cases where treatment add-ons may be offered for reasons other than to improve the chances of having a baby. In some circumstances there may be a justifiable medical reason for using the treatment add-on as part of fertility treatment.

“In line with the HFEA Code of Practice, clinics must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on will involve, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, how much it will cost, and link to the HFEA ratings system. Our ratings system was developed with patients and professionals in the sector, and offers patients the crucial information they need to be able to make better-informed decisions about their treatment. We strongly encourage patients to use this information when talking to their clinic.”

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