Watchdog warns fertility clinics against unproven treatments

NHS and private fertility clinics must stop offering unproven add-ons that do not improve chances of conception, new draft guidelines warn.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises against several popular fertility extras, including endometrial scratches – where the womb lining is “scratched” before IVF treatment.

These procedures can “give false hope and put people through unnecessary procedures at an already difficult time”, NICE experts said.

The guideline committee reviewed a survey by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).

Nearly three-quarters of patients treated between September and October 2024 said they used additional tests or emerging technologies, despite most being unproven.

Only 37 per cent of respondents said risks of add-ons had been explained.

The draft stresses that patients must be fully informed about the likelihood of success, risks and benefits of any treatment.

Dr Fergus Macbeth, chair of NICE’s fertility guideline committee, said clinics should focus on proven care.

Macbeth said: “People going through fertility treatment are often willing to try anything that might help them conceive.

“This makes them vulnerable to being offered treatments that sound promising but haven’t been properly tested.

“Our recommendations are designed to protect patients and ensure they only receive care that we know works.”

The guidance also covers fertility preservation, such as egg, embryo or sperm freezing.

These services are currently offered mostly to cancer patients but could be extended to those with conditions or treatments likely to affect fertility, such as severe recurrent endometriosis, people who have had surgery that can affect their reproductive organs, or certain genetic and metabolic disorders.

People who think they may benefit should discuss options with healthcare professionals, NICE said.

The draft also considers IVF eligibility.

NICE’s committee found stronger evidence than previously available that three full IVF cycles offer couples a good chance of having a baby and represent value for the NHS.

It recommends three cycles for women under 40 who meet certain criteria, and one cycle for women aged 40 and 41 with fertility problems.

While NICE sets recommendations, funding decisions are made locally by integrated care boards.

NICE’s chief medical officer, Prof Jonathan Benger, said: “We recognise the NHS faces significant financial challenges and integrated care boards must weigh up local priorities when determining how many IVF cycles to fund.

The draft guidelines for England, Wales and Northern Ireland are open for public consultation until 21 October, with final recommendations due in 2026.