restrictions on dubious fertility therapy supplements

 restrictions on dubious fertility therapy supplements

According to a new grading system developed by the fertility authority, fertility treatment "add-ons" provided to patients in the UK do not always increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Concerns about untested therapies costing hundreds or thousands of pounds being offered by clinics follow.

According to experts, clinics need to be transparent about charges and success rates.

Support organizations anticipate that the ratings will ease the difficult process of selecting a private reproductive clinic.

In private clinics, established fertility therapies like IVF (in-vitro fertilization) may be provided in addition to add-ons, which are optional, non-essential procedures.

The new HFEA grading system, which utilizes five colors ranging from green to red to reflect the level of proof an add-on is successful at increasing the likelihood of conceiving a baby, was welcomed by the support organization Fertility Network UK.

Examples comprise:

PGT-A, or preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, involves removing a cell from the embryo and examining it for chromosomal abnormalities. - rated red endometrial scratching: According to hypothesis, this causes the body to heal the scratch site by secreting chemicals and hormones that prepare the lining of the womb for the implantation of an embryo. - graded immunological testing in amber the color red

Fertility Network UK emphasized that none of those listed on the regulator's website had received a "green" rating, urging people to carefully consider all available information before making choices.

According to Prof. Tim Child, chair of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) Scientific as well as Clinical Advances Advisory Committee, "there are specific treatment add-ons that may be advantageous for defined patient groups, but we know that for the overwhelming majority of patients, additional applications of proven treatment could prove more efficient."

"Tough decisions"

"These spiritually and financially difficult decisions often centre on whether to attempt expensive fertility treatment add-ons as well as are typically made when patients find themselves their most vulnerable - desperate to try whatever if there is a chance it may help them grows into parents," the head of policy for Fertility Network UK, Dr. Catherine Hill stated.

According to the HFEA, supplements without compelling proof of their safety or efficacy should only be made available as a part of research and patients shouldn't be in the dark about them.

"Clinics must give patients an unambiguous understanding of what any treatment add-on will involve, how likely it is to improve their chance of a successful pregnancy and exactly how much it will cost, and link them to the HFEA ratings system," Peter Thompson, CEO, said.