Ineffectiveness of hCG Add-On in IVF Treatment Confirmed by New Evidence Review

A recent evidence review published in the journal *Human Reproduction Update* has concluded that the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), commonly administered to improve pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients, does not enhance the chances of conception or live births. This review, led by researchers from the University of Sydney, analyzed data from seven trials involving 2,244 IVF patients and found no significant benefits from the intrauterine administration of hCG before embryo transfer.

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The practice of using hCG as an add-on to IVF treatments gained popularity in the early to mid-2010s, based on earlier studies that suggested it could improve implantation success. However, the recent analysis revealed that the positive claims surrounding hCG were not substantiated when scrutinized against raw data from clinical trials. Researchers emphasized that the hormone should not be routinely offered to patients, as it adds unnecessary procedures without proven benefits.

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Despite being relatively inexpensive—costing between $50 to $100 per procedure—hCG is often bundled with other add-on treatments, leading to increased financial burdens for patients undergoing multiple IVF cycles. Many patients, under emotional pressure to conceive, may opt for these add-ons, believing even a slight improvement in their chances is worthwhile. Professor Robert Norman, an expert in reproductive medicine, noted that while there was initially a logical basis for testing hCG's effectiveness, the mounting evidence suggests it is time to discontinue its use in this context.

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The findings have raised concerns about the broader issue of unverified treatments in reproductive medicine. Critics argue that many add-on therapies are adopted based on unreliable evidence, potentially misleading patients. Natalie Pennisi, a patient who has undergone extensive fertility treatments, expressed frustration over the overwhelming number of add-on therapies and the difficulty in discerning which are effective. She emphasized the importance of choosing a knowledgeable fertility specialist to navigate treatment options.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Researchers, including lead author Wang, have called for a reevaluation of the evidence supporting various IVF interventions. Wang stated, “Every procedure offered to patients should be backed by reliable evidence,” highlighting the need for transparency in treatment options. The review's findings may prompt further investigations into other IVF add-ons that lack robust evidence.

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• “This hormone shouldn’t be routinely offered as part of IVF treatment.” — Wang, Lead Researcher

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• “There was no evidence of benefit in any group we analyzed, including fresh or frozen transfers, different embryo stages or different doses,” — Wang, Lead Researcher

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• “The bottom line is all the intervention provided to the patient should be backed up by trusted evidence,” — Wang, Lead Researcher

The Sydney Morning Herald

The researchers plan to extend their analysis to identify which IVF interventions are effective and which are not, aiming to ensure that patients receive treatments grounded in solid scientific evidence. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for reliable data in women's health research, particularly in rapidly evolving fields like reproductive medicine.

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