Treatment add-ons are optional non-essential treatments that may be offered in addition to proven fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI.The internet is full of information about add ons that can often be unreliable & confusing for patients.
The UK fertility regulator the HFEA have recently updated their 'traffic light' system which helps patients to access reliable information and decide if various add-ons are safe, effective, evidenced-based and right for them.
Importantly, add-ons aren't always offered to improve your chance of having a baby but may also be offered to improve outcomes such as reducing the risk of miscarriage or treatment complications such as Hyperstimulation syndrome.
It is important that add-ons that you are offered are not only effective but safe too. If you are offered these as part of treatment you should ask your clinic questions as to why you are being offered this treatment and what the specific risks and benefits are. Useful questions to consider can be found here
The full HFEA 'traffic light' list of add-ons can be found here
Comments