24 June 2026: No evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve fertility: study | ABC News
Insights from:
Key takeaways
- Researchers reviewed 10 commonly used IVF add-on treatments to assess their effectiveness and safety.
- Most add-ons did not have strong evidence of improving the chance of a live birth, although some showed possible benefit in certain circumstances.
- Treatment decisions should be personalised, taking into account a patient's medical history, fertility diagnosis and individual goals.
- Research in reproductive medicine continues to evolve, with ongoing studies helping to strengthen the evidence for different treatment approaches.
- Open conversations between patients and their fertility specialist remain essential when considering any additional treatment.
What the latest research says about IVF add-on treatments
A major review of IVF add-on treatments has highlighted the importance of helping patients make informed decisions about their fertility care. While some optional treatments may offer benefits for selected patients, researchers found that most currently lack strong evidence that they improve the chance of having a baby.
The findings, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health and reported by ABC Health & Wellbeing, reinforce a message many fertility specialists already discuss with their patients: every treatment should be considered carefully, with decisions guided by the available evidence and a person's individual circumstances.
Among those commenting on the findings was Genea Fertility Specialist Dr Genia Rozen, who said people undergoing IVF are often making emotional, time-sensitive and expensive decisions, making access to accurate information especially important.
"If an add-on does not clearly improve the chance of having a baby, patients deserve to know that."
What are IVF add-on treatments?
IVF add-ons are optional procedures, tests or therapies that may be offered alongside standard IVF treatment. They are generally intended to improve particular aspects of treatment or embryo transfer, although the evidence supporting different add-ons varies considerably.
The review assessed ten commonly used add-ons, including acupuncture, corticosteroids, endometrial receptivity testing, platelet-rich plasma therapies, intralipid infusions, pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), EmbryoGlue, endometrial scratching and physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI).
Some of these treatments involve additional procedures or testing, while others may increase the overall cost of an IVF cycle. As a result, understanding both the potential benefits and limitations of each option is an important part of informed decision-making.
What did the review find?
Researchers analysed data from 85 clinical trials to evaluate whether the ten add-on treatments improved the likelihood of having a baby.
The review found that seven of the add-ons either showed no evidence of improving fertility outcomes or had evidence that remained inconclusive. Three treatments, EmbryoGlue, endometrial scratching and PICSI showed some evidence of possible benefit, although the researchers emphasised that the supporting evidence was limited and should be interpreted with caution.
The authors concluded that further high-quality research is needed before many of these treatments can be confidently recommended for routine use.
Why evidence matters
IVF continues to evolve through ongoing scientific research, and fertility specialists regularly review emerging evidence when discussing treatment options with patients.
Because no two fertility journeys are the same, the potential role of an add-on treatment may differ depending on an individual's diagnosis, medical history and previous treatment experience. This is why decisions are made in consultation with a fertility specialist rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
The review also highlighted the importance of clearly communicating what is known and what remains uncertain about different treatments so patients can weigh the potential benefits against additional costs, procedures and possible risks.
Supporting informed decisions
Patients considering IVF are often navigating complex choices during what can already be an emotionally challenging time.
Dr Genia Rozen said providing accurate, evidence-based information helps ensure patients understand the potential value of additional treatments before deciding whether they are appropriate for their individual circumstances.
"It is about protecting patients from false hope, unnecessary costs and extra interventions that may not help and actually cause harm in some instances."
These conversations are an important part of delivering personalised fertility care and ensuring patients feel informed throughout their treatment.
Research continues to evolve
The review reflects the current state of evidence rather than the end of the conversation.
Researchers and fertility specialists continue to investigate which patients may benefit most from different IVF add-on treatments, and new evidence is expected to emerge over time. As research progresses, recommendations may continue to evolve.
This ongoing commitment to research is an important part of improving fertility care and ensuring treatments are supported by high-quality evidence.
What this means for patients
If you're considering IVF, it's important to ask questions about any additional treatments that may be recommended.
Understanding why a particular add-on is being discussed, what evidence supports its use, whether it may be suitable for your circumstances and what additional costs or procedures may be involved can help you make informed decisions alongside your fertility specialist.
As Dr Genia Rozen explained:
"Good fertility care should support hope, but it should also be honest."
About the authors
Dr. Genia Rozen
Fertility Specialist MBBS (HONS), MRMED, FRANZCOG
Melbourne Fertility Specialist Dr Genia Rozen combines research expertise with personalised IVF care. Expert in fertility preservation.
View profile
Talk to a Fertility Concierge
If you have questions about IVF treatment or would like to better understand your options, our Fertility Concierge team is here to help.
