The UK fertility regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), has introduced a new ratings system to assess the effectiveness of "add-on" fertility treatments offered to patients. These optional treatments, provided alongside established fertility procedures like IVF, have raised concerns about their cost and efficacy.
The HFEA's ratings system uses five colors to indicate the level of evidence supporting each add-on's effectiveness in improving the chances of having a baby, ranging from green (strong evidence) to red (limited evidence). The aim is to provide patients with clear information on costs and success rates for these treatments.
Examples of rated add-ons include pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), endometrial scratching, and immunological tests. Notably, none of these treatments received a green rating, signifying strong evidence.
Support groups like Fertility Network UK welcome the transparency this system brings, helping patients make informed decisions about costly and emotionally challenging add-on treatments. The HFEA emphasizes that clinics should not withhold information from patients and should offer add-ons with limited evidence of effectiveness only as part of research.
Patients should be provided with clear information about the nature, potential benefits, likelihood of success, and cost of these treatments, along with a link to the HFEA's ratings system. The goal is to empower patients with the knowledge they need to make choices aligning with their fertility goals and financial considerations.