What are add-ons in IVF and Why Do You Need Them?

The fertility industry is still growing, demonstrating an increased chances of success rate of 40-50% since it came into being. Opting for IVF is not an easy decision to make for couples struggling with fertility or any other issue that is keeping them from having a child. There is no direct approach to increase the success rate of IVF. Under the procedure at the best IVF centre in Punjab, a couple gets in the middle of all the ifs and buts, ups and downs. Various aspects, such as physical, financial and emotional, are influenced as IVF comes into consideration. Unlike the other medical treatments, there is no simple answer to what is going to happen after the IVF process. 

 

The process creates a tense environment for both the patient as well as the doctor as the doctor holds the responsibility for handling the case and operating with the most effective methods while the patient is scared and anxious hoping for positive results.  Under such an environment add ons can also be quite intimidating. 

 

What are Add-Ons

Add Ons are basically different approaches involved in the treatment cycle over and above the procedure of IVF. These can be the tests, medications, equipment, alternate therapy, laboratory interventions, surgical interventions or anything that contributes to a high success rate of IVF treatment in Ludhiana

 

Why Add-Ons?

Add on recommended for several reasons by an IVF expert: 

  • Improve the chances of implants

  • Reduce the risks of miscarriage

  • Helping Women to achieve pregnancy in a short time

 

When are Add-Ons Recommended?

The add-ons are recommended for numerous reasons:

  • Implantation failure after several cycles of IVF

  • Recurrent pregnancy loss

  • Poor ovarian reserve 

  • Women with advanced age

 

Are Add-Ons Really Effective?

Deciding who requires what type of add-ons is the most difficult challenge in the IVF procedure at the best IVF centre in Punjab. Every patient has different issues and associated requirements; therefore, the add-ons they require will be different from one another. For example, not every patient requires a hysteroscopy or an ERA test. There are numerous types of add-ons available at the best IVF centres in Punjab, such as:

  • Sperm activation

  • Time-lapse  imaging

  • PRP

  • Uterine flushing

  • Stem cell mobilisation

  • Embryo glue

  • Endometrial scratch

  • Mitochondrial replacement therapy

  • Antioxidant therapy

  • Artificial oocyte

  • Activation

  • Genetic testing

  • Growth factor supplementation

  • Assisted hatching

 

There is no surety if add-ons will definitely work, but they may increase the chances of conception.

 

HFEA (Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority)

The HFEA has created a rating list based on the traffic light system. For example, a green rating demonstrates that the add-on is effective and can enhance the chances of pregnancy. An amber rating demonstrates that the evidence from RCT is conflicting. The red rating is for no evidence to prove the effectiveness of the add-ons.

 

The add-ons under the IVF treatment in Ludhiana pose uncertainty in the success rate of pregnancy. However, the add-ons cannot be abandoned as they still contribute to the success rate of pregnancy. 

 

There is no specific approach to add-ons and no clarity on the efficiency and the side effects of the procedures.  

 

When Can Add-Ons Be Considered?

  • If the risks are minimal

  • If the cost is affordable

  • If it can be physiologically and psychologically beneficial

  • If informed consent can be given

 

The clinician chooses the add-ons by assessing the condition as well as the ability of the patient to afford the treatments. As mentioned earlier, there are several types of add-on which clinician recommends based on how much they have proven to be effective so far. Also, whether the patient is able to afford these add-ons or not. 

 

The difference between environment, ethnicity, gene profile and nutrition status also changes the approach the doctor will take to find a solution for the patient’s inability to conceive. 

 

It is important to know that even though there is a lack of evidence, it does not mean that the methods are effective. We only require studies that are:

  • Well designed 

  • Adequately numbered 

  • Based on a homogenous cohort

  • Double-blinded

  • Ethnically relevant 

  • Focused on a defined outcome

  • Not pharmaceutically sponsored 

 

Should We Embrace New Means of Counselling

Even though there may not be any specific approach to IVF treatment in Bathinda, it is alright to embrace different means of counselling to cope with your condition. The patient should get a comprehensive understanding of all the treatments available before opting for one to have a realistic expectation. 

It is ideal to not completely rely on these procedures and to prepare your body for pregnancy on your own by eating a healthy lifestyle such as nutritious diet, regular moderate exercise, stress free activities etc.