The UK’s fertility regulator has implemented a new ratings system to assess the effectiveness of optional fertility treatment “add-ons” that are often offered by private clinics. These treatments are not necessarily essential to proven methods of fertility treatment, such as IVF. The new ratings system, which provides five levels ranging from green to red, is intended to make it more clear what treatments are supported by evidence. The system aims to address concerns that some clinics are offering unproven and expensive treatments that do not increase a patient’s chances of having a child.
The ratings currently provided by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) in the UK show that none of the treatments on offer have been rated as green. The treatments that have been rated range from amber, indicating that it is not clear whether the treatments are effective, to red, indicating that there is no evidence to support the treatments. It is hoped that the new system will help make the process of purchasing private fertility treatments less stressful for patients.
Support networks, such as Fertility Network UK, have been working towards greater transparency in private clinics to prevent patients from being treated with unproven and costly treatments. The HFEA says that patients should be provided with full information about treatment options, including costs and success rates.
The decisions to pursue fertility treatments with or without add-ons can be emotionally and financially difficult. Clinics must provide patients with clear information about what is involved in any treatment add-on and what its potential benefits are. Unless there is strong evidence of a treatment’s safety and effectiveness, add-ons should be offered only as part of research, according to the HFEA
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