Fertility patients sold unproven add-ons, HFEA says

Many fertility patients in the UK are being offered unnecessary add-on treatments that have little or no proof of improving the likelihood of pregnancy, a report suggests.

Add-ons are optional, non-essential treatments some private clinics offer in addition to proven treatments, such in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

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

Most said they had done so based on the clinic's recommendation.

And only about one in every three said the possible risks had been explained to them.

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

But the HFEA is concerned NHS patients are waiting longer than those going private.

Just over one out of every two private patients started treatment within a year, compared with one out of every three NHS patients.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "It is unacceptable fertility patients are being offered unnecessary treatments that will not help them in their goal of becoming parents.

"We are working to improve access to NHS fertility services for all who need it.

"We are also currently considering advice from the HFEA about priorities for law reform covering their regulatory powers, including their potential role in digital clinics."