Fertility patients sold unproven add-ons, regulator HFEA says

Unnecessary ad-on treatment is being offered to many breeding patients in the UK, which has little or no evidence of improving pregnancy probability, describes a report.

Ad-ons are alternative, non-essential remedies, some private clinics in addition to proven remedies, such as providing in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

According to the regulator, 73% of the 1,500 patients surveyed between September and October 2024 said Human Fourism and Embryology Authority (HFEA), said that they used an ad-on in their latest round of treatment.

Most said that they had done so based on the recommendation of the clinic.

And only one in every three said that possible risks were explained to them.

HFEA Director Claire Ertninghaoson told the BBC Radio 4 program: “These people themselves are reporting whether they probably took an additional supplement, such as vitamin tablets, or a test or probably something like acupuncture.

“We have seen the evidence … They are not necessarily the chances of having a child.

“Therefore we are worried that people are spending money unnecessarily.”

Some ad-ons may cost thousands of pounds.

And while HFEA has no power to stop or fix, it is reminding them that they should give patients a clear idea of ​​what add-on, how they are likely to help and how much their cost.

The regulator also has its own Traffic-light rating tool To help patients decide.

Examples include:

• genetic testing
• Endometrial scratching – where a small area in the womb is scraped to trigger trigger processes, it will help in fetal transplantation
• Help of hatching – where a small crack is made in the outer layer of the fetus

Overall, the patients were satisfied with the care that they were receiving, Ms. Ateringhoson said.

But HFEA is concerned that NHS patients are waiting longer than private people.

Within one year of every two private patients, within one year, every three NHS patients began treatment within a year.

A spokesperson for health and social care said: “This unacceptable fertility patients are being offered unnecessary treatment who will not help them in their goal of becoming parents.

“We are working to improve access to NHS breeding services for all that require it.

“We are currently considering advice on the HFEA about priorities for law reforms, including his potential role in digital clinics, including their regulatory powers.”