The HFEA have published information regarding optional additional treatments, ‘add-ons’, that clinics offer in addition to the routine treatments we provide. The reason for this is because these additional treatments lack the robust evidence base necessary to be considered as standard treatment. They are usually not part of treatment packages and are billed separately.
Many of these interventions are still under evaluation and should be considered experimental. Some will represent good science and will build up a subsequent evidence base and become part of routine treatment, others which show no perceivable benefits will be discredited and abandoned.
For specific patient groups there may be reasons for the use of a treatment add-on other than improving your chances of having a baby. In these situations, it may be appropriate for you to be offered a treatment add-on as part of your treatment and not in a research setting. It is therefore important to have a full discussion with your consultant if add-ons are suggested as part of your treatment.
To make it easier to understand the scientific evidence for each treatment add-on the HFEA developed a rating system for add-ons. There are five ratings that indicate whether a treatment add-on is effective at improving treatment outcomes for someone undergoing fertility treatment, according to evidence from studies. To make it easier to understand the scientific evidence for each treatment add-on the HFEA have devised a range of symbols and colours for each add-on which they have rated.
This system is shown below. More information can be found on the HFEA website.
In healthcare, knowledge comes from different sources. These include:
The approach to evidence should aim to ensure information:
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) use research methods aimed at reducing bias and that’s why they are considered the only objective way to assess whether an add-on works. However, RCTs are difficult to carry out and require a large amount of time and money and may be difficult to recruit to depending upon what is being studied. RCT’s aren’t the only way of collecting meaningful information.
For example large datasets may provide insights in to the effectiveness of add-ons but there is some discussion regarding the relative benefits of each of these approaches. In the absence of good RCTs as evidence, an increasing proportion of the sector is relying on their own experiences and analysis of live birth rates and patient outcomes within their own clinics, to determine the suitability and effectiveness of treatments for patients. It may be appropriate to consider alternative evidence in these circumstances.
Factors to consider when evaluating add-on treatments
When you are ready and the time is right for you, the next step is to contact us and we will help you arrange a face-to-face, telephone or video-call introduction with one of our consultants.
You can do this by filling in the contact form below or by giving one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 203 263 6025 or emailing us at admin@ariafertility.co.uk.
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
8 Welbeck Way London W1G 9YL
