Clinical adjuncts in in vitro fertilization: a growing list

Abstract

A growing list of clinical adjuncts are being used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Most of these IVF add-ons (such as growth hormone, aspirin, heparin, dehydroepiandrostenedione, testosterone, male and female antioxidants, and screening hysteroscopy) are being introduced into routine clinical practice in a hurried manner without any clear evidence of benefit in most cases. These add-ons make the IVF more complicated and increase the overall cost for the treatment, which is borne by the couples and health care providers. Our current review found no high-quality evidence to support the use of these IVF add-ons in routine practice. Large, well-designed, randomized trials must be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these interventions. There is also a pressing need to develop an evidence-dictated mechanism for introducing newer interventions into routine clinical settings.

Keywords: Clinical add-on; IVF add-on; IVF adjuvant; clinical adjunct.