Are IVF add-ons necessary for success?

Not always. Some people conceive with basic IVF. Add-ons may help in specific cases, but they should never be used just because they’re available.

Can add-ons harm my chances?

Some can, especially if used without a proper medical reason. They can also increase costs, stress, and sometimes even risk.

Is there anything important to ask my doctor about an add-on?

Ask if it’s backed by strong research, if it’s right for your case, and what the side effects are. If something doesn’t make sense and they can’t explain it clearly, that could be a clue to be careful, and it might mean you need to ask more questions or talk to someone else.

IVF Add-Ons: What’s Truly Helpful and What’s Just Hype?

IVF can feel overwhelming, with many choices to make. Clinics often suggest add-ons that promise better chances of success. But not all of them really work. Some may help, while others just add extra cost.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

A hormone supplement that some say helps women with low egg reserve
Studies show mixed results
Minor side effects reported (like acne or oily skin)
Not recommended without clear evidence

Growth Hormone (GH)

Used in women who respond poorly to fertility drugs
May slightly help in certain cases
Only useful in specific protocols (like long downregulation cycles)
Not helpful for everyone
Expensive and still under review

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

An antioxidant thought to improve egg quality
Good for mitochondrial health
Animal studies show promise, but human studies? Not strong yet
No proven boost in pregnancy rates so far

Add-Ons Around Fertilisation

Artificial Oocyte Activation (AOA)

Helps the egg “wake up” after fertilisation using a calcium solution
Used after past fertilisation failures
No strong evidence that it improves outcomes
Not routinely recommended

Add-Ons to Improve Implantation

Immune Therapy

Includes treatments like steroids, IVIG, or intralipids
Based on the theory that sometimes your immune system might prevent embryo implantation
Tests for NK cells (immune cells) are not standardised or proven
The risk of side effects is high
Evidence? Very weak
Most experts don’t recommend it unless absolutely necessary

Corticosteroids (like Prednisolone)

Used to reduce inflammation or immune activity
May help in very specific cases (like unexplained implantation failure)
Evidence is still shaky
Low short-term risk, but not useful for everyone

Aspirin (Low Dose)

It is thought by some toimprove blood flow to the uterus
May help if you have a specific blood-clotting issue
But in general IVF cases, it doesn’t improve outcomes
Should only be used if your doctor says it’s necessary

Heparin

A blood thinner used in certain immune or clotting conditions
May help in recurrent miscarriages with known causes
Not recommended for general IVF use
Can increase bleeding risks if combined with aspirin

Vasodilators (Like Sildenafil)

Claimed to improve blood flow to the uterus
May help increase endometrial thickness
But no clear evidence that they help you get pregnant
Still in the “maybe” zone, not the “must-do” zone

Other Techniques That May Be Offered

ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

Usually done for male-factor infertility
Some clinics use it for unexplained infertility or low egg number
Studies show it may not help unless there’s a sperm-related issue
ICSI also costs more, so only choose it when needed

What Should You Consider Before Saying Yes?

Ask yourself:

Is there strong scientific proof that this works?
Has my doctor explained why it’s right for me?
Do the benefits clearly outweigh the risks?
Am I feeling pressured or well-informed?

A Quick Recap - What's Worth It and What's Not

Add-On	Worth It?	Notes
DHEA	Not recommended	Lacks strong evidence; unknown long-term safety
Growth Hormone	Maybe, in poor responders	Only in specific protocols; expensive
CoQ10	Safe, but not proven	More research needed
Artificial Oocyte Activation	Not yet	No proven benefit, especially in normal cycles
Immune Therapy	Avoid unless indicated	Expensive, unproven, and risky
Corticosteroids	Maybe in special cases	Safe short-term; should be guided by a doctor
Aspirin	Only if medically needed	Doesn’t help in routine IVF
Heparin	Only in clotting disorders	Risk of bleeding; not for general IVF use
Vasodilators (Sildenafil)	Unclear	Conflicting data; not yet standard
ICSI	Only when sperm quality is poor	Not helpful for unexplained infertility or low egg number

IVF can be a tough journey, and many people consider add-ons that promise better results. But not all of these extras are proven to work. Some, like growth hormone, may help in specific cases, while others, like immune therapy or artificial oocyte activation, don’t show clear benefits. Before choosing any add-on, it’s important to consult with your doctor and ensure it’s the right choice for you, to avoid wasting money or incurring unnecessary risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified fertility specialist before starting or stopping any treatment.

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FAQs on IVF Add-Ons: What’s Worth It and What’s Just Hype?

Are IVF add-ons necessary for success?
Not always. Some people conceive with basic IVF. Add-ons may help in specific cases, but they should never be used just because they’re available.
Can add-ons harm my chances?
Some can, especially if used without a proper medical reason. They can also increase costs, stress, and sometimes even risk.
Is there anything important to ask my doctor about an add-on?
Ask if it’s backed by strong research, if it’s right for your case, and what the side effects are. If something doesn’t make sense and they can’t explain it clearly, that could be a clue to be careful, and it might mean you need to ask more questions or talk to someone else.