Majority of UK Fertility Patients Utilize Unproven Add-Ons During Treatment
Study reveals that nearly 75% of individuals undergoing fertility treatment in the UK are opting for non-evidence-based enhancements despite limited supporting data.
A recent survey conducted by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has revealed that approximately 73% of patients undergoing fertility treatment in the United Kingdom are using unproven additional treatments to increase their chances of conception.
These treatments, which include acupuncture, dietary supplements, and various drugs, are being adopted by an estimated 40,000 individuals annually, despite a lack of robust evidence to support their efficacy.
The findings were part of the HFEA's annual national patient survey, which collected data from 1,500 individuals receiving care through the National Health Service (NHS) and private fertility clinics.
The survey highlighted that the additional treatments could incur costs of up to £1,500, while more affordable options, such as vitamin and mineral supplements, may still reach around £25 for a month's supply.
The HFEA has been actively working to address the prevalence of these add-on treatments since 2017, noting that nearly all remain unproven in enhancing the probability of a successful pregnancy for most patients.
Over half of the participants (52%) reported pursuing these enhancements after discussions with their doctors, while 59% proceeded based on recommendations from their clinics.
Concerns were raised by HFEA officials regarding the adequacy of information provided to patients, with only 37% indicating that their clinics discussed the risks associated with these additional treatments.
Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, expressed disappointment regarding the continued high rates of unproven add-on usage and the limited explanation of effectiveness and risks provided to patients.
Among the unproven treatments, additional medications or supplements were the most commonly used, reported by 39% of patients.
Acupuncture ranked second at 27%, followed by time-lapse imaging and incubation (26%), with nutritional therapy used by 7% of respondents.
In the UK, approximately 55,500 individuals underwent fertility treatment in 2022, with the majority (52,500) receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) and around 3,000 opting for donor insemination.
The use of add-on treatments was found to correlate with the number of treatment cycles; for instance, 86% of patients undergoing five cycles utilized additional treatments compared to 62% of those who had received just one cycle.
Endometrial scratching, a method involving the 'scratching' of the womb lining prior to embryo implantation, has seen a decline in usage.
In contrast, pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)—which checks embryos for chromosomal abnormalities—has grown in popularity, particularly among patients aged 40-42 and residents of London, despite insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving fertility outcomes.
The HFEA continuously emphasizes the necessity for clinics to provide transparent information regarding the costs and potential success rates associated with treatment add-ons.
Chain reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing patient communication within clinics.
The survey also highlighted issues within fertility service accessibility; some patients are experiencing wait times of up to two years for NHS treatment.
Additionally, 51% of individuals utilizing donor sperm sourced it from abroad, where regulations on donor family limits are more lenient compared to those in the UK. While 73% of surveyed patients reported satisfaction with their treatment, it was noted that satisfaction levels were lower among Asian and Black patients.
The Department of Health and Social Care commented on the survey findings, deeming it unacceptable for fertility patients to receive ineffective treatments that do not contribute to their aspirations of parenthood.
Efforts are being made to enhance access to NHS fertility services, in conjunction with consideration of advice from the HFEA regarding potential legislation reform and digital clinic regulations.
These treatments, which include acupuncture, dietary supplements, and various drugs, are being adopted by an estimated 40,000 individuals annually, despite a lack of robust evidence to support their efficacy.
The findings were part of the HFEA's annual national patient survey, which collected data from 1,500 individuals receiving care through the National Health Service (NHS) and private fertility clinics.
The survey highlighted that the additional treatments could incur costs of up to £1,500, while more affordable options, such as vitamin and mineral supplements, may still reach around £25 for a month's supply.
The HFEA has been actively working to address the prevalence of these add-on treatments since 2017, noting that nearly all remain unproven in enhancing the probability of a successful pregnancy for most patients.
Over half of the participants (52%) reported pursuing these enhancements after discussions with their doctors, while 59% proceeded based on recommendations from their clinics.
Concerns were raised by HFEA officials regarding the adequacy of information provided to patients, with only 37% indicating that their clinics discussed the risks associated with these additional treatments.
Julia Chain, chair of the HFEA, expressed disappointment regarding the continued high rates of unproven add-on usage and the limited explanation of effectiveness and risks provided to patients.
Among the unproven treatments, additional medications or supplements were the most commonly used, reported by 39% of patients.
Acupuncture ranked second at 27%, followed by time-lapse imaging and incubation (26%), with nutritional therapy used by 7% of respondents.
In the UK, approximately 55,500 individuals underwent fertility treatment in 2022, with the majority (52,500) receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) and around 3,000 opting for donor insemination.
The use of add-on treatments was found to correlate with the number of treatment cycles; for instance, 86% of patients undergoing five cycles utilized additional treatments compared to 62% of those who had received just one cycle.
Endometrial scratching, a method involving the 'scratching' of the womb lining prior to embryo implantation, has seen a decline in usage.
In contrast, pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)—which checks embryos for chromosomal abnormalities—has grown in popularity, particularly among patients aged 40-42 and residents of London, despite insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving fertility outcomes.
The HFEA continuously emphasizes the necessity for clinics to provide transparent information regarding the costs and potential success rates associated with treatment add-ons.
Chain reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing patient communication within clinics.
The survey also highlighted issues within fertility service accessibility; some patients are experiencing wait times of up to two years for NHS treatment.
Additionally, 51% of individuals utilizing donor sperm sourced it from abroad, where regulations on donor family limits are more lenient compared to those in the UK. While 73% of surveyed patients reported satisfaction with their treatment, it was noted that satisfaction levels were lower among Asian and Black patients.
The Department of Health and Social Care commented on the survey findings, deeming it unacceptable for fertility patients to receive ineffective treatments that do not contribute to their aspirations of parenthood.
Efforts are being made to enhance access to NHS fertility services, in conjunction with consideration of advice from the HFEA regarding potential legislation reform and digital clinic regulations.
