Journal Article Review Ppublish 15 citations
PubMed: 35066700 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02410-6
The efficacy of add-ons: selected IVF "add-on" procedures and future directions.
J Assist Reprod Genet 39(3):581-589
Authors: Haley N Glatthorn, Alan Decherney
Affiliations
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, Room 2133, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Hatfield Clinical Research Center, 10 Center Drive, Room 5-5570, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
Abstract
Since the advent of ART, technology has continuously evolved to improve embryology and pregnancy outcomes. However, not all technologies that are integrated into practice have convincing evidence of clinical effectiveness, and they often increase the financial burden of fertility care. We discuss here a selection of commonly utilized IVF "add-ons" and discuss the existing evidence for their utility. The procedures included in this review are time-lapse imaging of embryos, assisted hatching, EmbryoGlue, sperm DNA testing, egg activation with calcium ionophore, endometrial receptivity array, and physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI). While there is rather limited supporting evidence for nearly all IVF add-ons that we reviewed, there is strong demand from patients, physicians, and the biotechnology industry to continue further research and development in this arena. We propose that all add-on procedures should provide true efficacy for the patient, and reproductive endocrinologists should inform patients of the costs and benefits of utilizing various technologies before they undergo treatment. In the future, add-ons that show clear evidence of efficacy and justifiable cost should be incorporated into routine practice, while others that do not meet these criteria should be phased out entirely.
MeSH
Reproductive Techniques, Genetics, Fertilization In Vitro, Technology, Spermatozoa, Embryo Transfer, Time-Lapse Imaging
Cited by
- Modern assessment of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes in the era of high-efficacy assisted reproductive technology. Fertil Steril, 2022
- Why the hypothesis of embryo selection in IVF/ICSI must finally be reconsidered. Hum Reprod Open, 2025
- Do Doctors Have a Responsibility to Challenge the Distorting Influence of Commerce on Healthcare Delivery? The Case of Assisted Reproductive Technology. Health Care Anal, 2025
- A Narrative Review on the Sperm Selection Methods in Assisted Reproductive Technology: Out with the New, the Old Is Better? J Clin Med, 2025