IVF optional extras

Optional extras are anything non-essential that is used during IVF treatment. It can include medications, procedures, laboratory techniques or alternative therapies.

Making evidence-informed decisions

Your IVF specialist will usually make important decisions about your IVF treatment, such as the best IVF protocol for you, or whether IVF or ICSI will be used. Your specialist will usually make these decisions on your behalf, with the aim of achieving the best outcome for your circumstances.

However, when it comes to deciding whether to use optional extras, you have a greater say in the decision-making process. Evidence-based IVF focuses on providing you with trusted and reliable information to support and inform those choices.

Filter by IVF issue or experience

  • Acupuncture for IVF

    Insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body

    Relevant for:
    • General IVF population
    • Surgery or procedure
    • Medium cost

    Also known as: Needle therapy , Needling

    Last updated 15 Jan 25

    Live birth

    No effect

    Pregnancy

    No effect

    Miscarriage

    Unclear

  • Corticosteroids for IVF

    A type of steroid medication taken in preparation for embryo transfer

    Relevant for:
    • Repeated implantation failure
    • Repeated miscarriage
    • Medication
    • Low cost
    • Possible Risk

    Also known as: prednisolone, prednisone, dexamethasone, steroids

    Last updated 15 Dec 24

    Live birth

    No effect

    Pregnancy

    No effect

    Miscarriage

    Unclear

  • EmbryoGlue in IVF

    Embryo transfer media containing hyaluronic acid

    Relevant for:
    • General IVF population
    • Lab based
    • Low cost

    Also known as: Hyaluronan-enriched transfer medium

    Last updated 15 Jan 25

    Live birth

    Possible increase

    Pregnancy

    Possible increase

    Miscarriage

    Unclear

  • Endometrial Receptivity Array Test (ERA test)

    The ERA test aims to determine the optimal timing of embryo transfer by analysing endometrial gene expression.

    Relevant for:
    • Repeated implantation failure
    • Surgery or procedure
    • High cost

    Also known as: Personalised embryo transfer, Window of implantation (WOI) testing, Endometrial receptivity analysis

    Last updated 15 Jan 25

    Live birth

    No effect

    Pregnancy

    No effect

    Miscarriage

    Unclear

  • Endometrial scratching for IVF

    A procedure to scratch or disturb the lining of the uterus (endometrium)

    Relevant for:
    • Repeated implantation failure
    • Surgery or procedure
    • Medium cost

    Also known as: endometrial injury, pipelle biopsy

    Last updated 15 Dec 24

    Live birth

    Possible increase

    Pregnancy

    Possible increase

    Miscarriage

    No effect

  • Intralipid infusion for IVF

    Intravenous infusion of a liquid containing lipids (fats)

    Relevant for:
    • Repeated implantation failure
    • Repeated miscarriage
    • Surgery or procedure
    • Medium cost
    • Possible Risk

    Also known as: Immune treatment , Immunotherapy

    Last updated 15 Jan 25

    Live birth

    Unclear

    Pregnancy

    Unclear

    Miscarriage

    Unclear

  • Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI) for IVF

    Selecting sperm for ICSI based on those which bind to hyaluronan

    Relevant for:
    • Fertilisation or sperm problems
    • Lab based
    • Medium cost

    Also known as: SpermSlow, Hyaluronan Binding Assay, Hyaluronic Acid Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (HA-ICSI)

    Last updated 15 Jan 25

    Live birth

    Unclear

    Pregnancy

    No effect

    Miscarriage

    Decrease

  • Platelet-rich plasma injection into the ovaries for IVF

    Injecting a patient’s blood, processed to have a high level of platelets, into the ovaries

    Relevant for:
    • Low ovarian response
    • Surgery or procedure
    • High cost

    Also known as: Ovarian rejuvenation

    Last updated 15 Jan 25

    Live birth

    Unclear

    Pregnancy

    Unclear

    Miscarriage

    Unclear

  • Platelet-rich plasma infusion into the uterus for IVF

    Infusing a patient’s blood, processed to have a high level of platelets, into the uterus

    Relevant for:
    • Repeated implantation failure
    • Thin lining
    • Surgery or procedure
    • High cost

    Also known as: PRP uterine wash, PRP flush, Uterus rejuvenation

    Last updated 15 Oct 24

    Live birth

    Unclear

    Pregnancy

    Unclear

    Miscarriage

    Unclear

  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A testing) in IVF

    Testing embryos to check whether they have the expected number of chromosomes

    Relevant for:
    • Repeated implantation failure
    • Repeated miscarriage
    • Older female age
    • Lab based
    • High cost

    Also known as: PGT, Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), Genetic testing, Chromosomal screening

    Last updated 15 Jan 25

    Cumulative live birth

    Unclear

    Cumulative pregnancy

    Unclear

    Miscarriage

    Decrease

Evidence-based IVF doesn’t provide the evidence for every IVF optional extra because our resources are limited. We are continually updating the evidence and expanding what we cover. If you have a suggestion for an optional extra we should include, please contact us.

For a comprehensive list of IVF optional extras visit our FAQ page.

More IVF evidence is coming soon

  • Vasodilators (e.g. viagra)

  • Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI)

  • Growth hormone

How to talk to your IVF specialist about this research

Use our guide to help you discuss IVF options with your doctor or IVF specialist. Helping you get the facts to make an informed decision for your IVF treatments.

Questions to ask your IVF specialist

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Disclaimer: Evidence-based IVF is a web-based resource that provides evidence-based information based on research and other data. Content on the Evidence-based IVF webpage is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. You should consult with qualified and appropriately experienced medical professionals when considering the information from this webpage. Scientific studies and clinical trial results are continually being published. While considerable care has been taken, The University of Melbourne cannot, and does not make any representations and gives no warranties that the information associated with the Evidence-based IVF webpage is in every respect correct, current, complete, reliable, or suitable for any purpose and use is entirely at your own risk.

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Funded by the Australian Government