Latest news with #JuliaChain
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Most fertility patients offered treatments that ‘don't work'
Most fertility patients are being offered treatments that are not proven to increase the chance of success, a report has said. Almost three quarters of fertility patients are being offered unnecessary add-on treatments, nearly all of which 'are not proven to increase the chance of having a baby', the fertility regulator has said. The report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) into the experiences of 1,500 patients in the UK also found that 51 per cent of those seeking donor sperm received it from overseas. Most patients cited increased choice and more information about the donor as the reasons why they chose foreign sperm. The HFEA said that in the UK a donor's sperm can only be used to create up to 10 families, but the 10-family limit does not apply abroad. The report also highlighted long waits for some patients – particularly those seeking NHS care. Around a quarter of patients had used donor eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment. Of the 73 per cent who were offered 'add-on treatments', only 52 per cent had the effectiveness explained to them, while 37 per cent were told about the risks. The report found add-on treatments such as the use of endometrial scratching – when the lining of the womb is scratched before an embryo is implanted – had decreased last year, but was still being offered. It also found the use of a so-called 'emerging technology' known as pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy – the checking of embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes – increased to 13 per cent in 2024, even though the HFEA said there is 'insufficient evidence' of its effectiveness at improving the chance of pregnancy. Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, said: 'It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. 'We regularly remind clinics that, according to our Code of Practice, they must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on involves, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, cost, risks, and link to our public ratings system. 'We will continue to remind clinics about improving clarity and communication for patients.' The report also found that most patients began treatment seven months to a year after first seeing their GP about their fertility problems. But 16 per cent of patients waited over two years. NHS-funded patients reported longer wait times in starting treatment compared to those who paid privately. Some 53 per cent of private patients started treatment within a year compared to 35 per cent of NHS patients. The regulator said that its data shows that the number of NHS-funded treatment cycles is falling, and stood at just 27 per cent in 2022. Ms Chain said the regulator was also 'concerned that NHS-funded patients are waiting longer than self-funded patients to start fertility treatment'. 'The delays faced by NHS patients highlight ongoing issues relating to the provision of specialist care for women,' she said. 'As part of our response to the Government's 10-year plan, we want to see a much shorter time for patients to begin fertility treatment once they have received advice or a referral from their GP.' A Department of Health spokesman said: 'It is unacceptable fertility patients are being offered unnecessary treatments that will not help them in their goal of becoming parents. 'We are working to improve access to NHS fertility services for all who need it. 'We are also currently considering advice from the HFEA about priorities for law reform covering their regulatory powers, including their potential role in digital clinics.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Most fertility patients offered treatments that ‘don't work'
Most fertility patients are being offered treatments that are not proven to increase the chance of success, a report has said. Almost three quarters of fertility patients are being offered unnecessary add-on treatments, nearly all of which 'are not proven to increase the chance of having a baby', the fertility regulator has said. The report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) into the experiences of 1,500 patients in the UK also found that 51 per cent of those seeking donor sperm received it from overseas. Most patients cited increased choice and more information about the donor as the reasons why they chose foreign sperm. The HFEA said that in the UK a donor's sperm can only be used to create up to 10 families, but the 10-family limit does not apply abroad. The report also highlighted long waits for some patients – particularly those seeking NHS care. Around a quarter of patients had used donor eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment. Of the 73 per cent who were offered 'add-on treatments', only 52 per cent had the effectiveness explained to them, while 37 per cent were told about the risks. The report found add-on treatments such as the use of endometrial scratching – when the lining of the womb is scratched before an embryo is implanted – had decreased last year, but was still being offered. It also found the use of a so-called 'emerging technology' known as pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy – the checking of embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes – increased to 13 per cent in 2024, even though the HFEA said there is 'insufficient evidence' of its effectiveness at improving the chance of pregnancy. 'Clinics must improve clarity' Julia Chain, chairman of the HFEA, said: 'It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. 'We regularly remind clinics that, according to our Code of Practice, they must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on involves, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, cost, risks, and link to our public ratings system. 'We will continue to remind clinics about improving clarity and communication for patients.' The report also found that most patients began treatment seven months to a year after first seeing their GP about their fertility problems. But 16 per cent of patients waited over two years. NHS-funded patients reported longer wait times in starting treatment compared to those who paid privately. Some 53 per cent of private patients started treatment within a year compared to 35 per cent of NHS patients. The regulator said that its data shows that the number of NHS-funded treatment cycles is falling, and stood at just 27 per cent in 2022. Ms Chain said the regulator was also 'concerned that NHS-funded patients are waiting longer than self-funded patients to start fertility treatment'. 'The delays faced by NHS patients highlight ongoing issues relating to the provision of specialist care for women,' she said. 'As part of our response to the Government's 10-year plan, we want to see a much shorter time for patients to begin fertility treatment once they have received advice or a referral from their GP.' A Department of Health spokesman said: 'It is unacceptable fertility patients are being offered unnecessary treatments that will not help them in their goal of becoming parents. 'We are working to improve access to NHS fertility services for all who need it. 'We are also currently considering advice from the HFEA about priorities for law reform covering their regulatory powers, including their potential role in digital clinics.'
The Independent
26-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Three-quarters of fertility patients using acupuncture and other add-on treatments they don't need, watchdog warns
Three-quarters of fertility patients are spending money on acupuncture, supplements and drugs that 'are not proven to increase the change of having a baby', the UK's fertility regulator has found. About 40,000 people a year wanting to conceive are using at least one additional test, emerging technology or treatment when undergoing IVF or donor insemination treatment, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). These extra treatments can cost up to £1,500, while some mineral and vitamin supplements can cost £25 or £30 for a day's supply, the survey of 1,500 people revealed. The HFEA said that the new study was 'concerning' because almost all additional tests, treatments or emerging technologies were surplus to fertility success. The most commonly used extra was additional drugs or supplements. The survey showed 39 per cent of people took supplements such as coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant produced naturally by the body, also found in meat, fish and nuts, which depletes with ageing. Some people say that using it can enhance the quality of the egg. Almost a third (27 per cent) spent money on acupuncture, others paid for time-lapse imaging and incubation (26 per cent). About 7 per cent of patients used nutritional therapy, nutritionists and dieticians. The report revealed only half (52 per cent) of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, with fewer (37 per cent) told about any risks linked to add-on care. The report found that the use of endometrial scratching – when the lining of the womb is scratched before an embryo is implanted – decreased last year. But pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) – the checking of embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes – increased from 7 per cent in 2021 to 13 per cent in 2024, even though the HFEA said there is 'insufficient evidence' of its effectiveness at improving treatment outcomes. About 55,500 people in the UK had fertility treatment in 2022. The more cycles of treatment a person has had, the likelier they are to have used an add-on. While 86 per cent of those who had had five cycles of IVF used an add-on, 62 per cent of those who underwent one cycle did so. The report also highlights long waits for some patients – particularly those seeking NHS care. It also points to the number of patients using donor sperm from outside the UK. Around a quarter of patients had used donor eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment. Patients who sought donor sperm were slightly more likely to be treated using sperm imported from overseas, with 51 per cent coming from abroad. Most cited increased choice and more information about the donor as the reasons why they chose foreign sperm. The HFEA said that in the UK one donor's sperm can only be used to create up to 10 families, but the 10-family limit does not apply abroad. Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, said: 'It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. 'We regularly remind clinics that, according to our Code of Practice, they must give patients a clear idea of what any treatment add-on involves, how likely it is to increase their chance of a successful pregnancy, cost, risks, and link to our public ratings system. 'We will continue to remind clinics about improving clarity and communication for patients.' The report also found that most patients began treatment seven months to a year after first seeing their GP about their fertility problems. But 16 per cent of patients waited over two years. NHS-funded patients reported longer wait times in starting treatment compared to those who paid privately. Some 53 per cent of private patients started treatment within a year compared to 35 per cent of NHS patients. The regulator said that its data shows that the number of NHS-funded treatment cycles is falling, and stood at just 27 per cent in 2022. Ms Chain added: 'We are also concerned that NHS-funded patients are waiting longer than self-funded patients to start fertility treatment. 'The delays faced by NHS patients highlight ongoing issues relating to the provision of specialist care for women. 'As part of our response to the Government's 10-year plan, we want to see a much shorter time for patients to begin fertility treatment once they have received advice or a referral from their GP.'
Sky News
26-03-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Nearly three-quarters of fertility patients offered unnecessary treatments, report finds
Nearly three-quarters of fertility patients are being offered unnecessary add-on treatments, according to a report. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) - the UK's independent regulator of fertility treatment and research using human embryos - said almost all additional tests, treatments or emerging technologies were "not proven to increase the chance of having a baby for most patients". They called the findings of their 2024 national patient survey "concerning". The regulator, which gathered the experiences of 1,500 patients in the UK, also highlights long waits for some patients, particularly those seeking NHS care. Around a quarter of patients had used donor eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment, and those who sought donor sperm were slightly more likely to be treated using sperm imported from overseas, with 51% coming from abroad. Most said there was an increased choice and more information about the donor as being among the reasons why they chose sperm from foreign donors. In the UK, one donor's sperm can only be used to create up to 10 families, but the 10-family limit does not apply abroad, the HFEA said. The report found only half (52%) of all patients had the effectiveness of add-on treatments explained to them, with 37% told about any risks linked to add-on care. The report found the use of endometrial scratching, where the lining of the womb is scratched before an embryo is implanted, decreased last year. But pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), which is the checking of embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes, increased from 7% in 2021 to 13% in 2024, despite the HFEA saying there is "insufficient evidence" of its effectiveness in improving treatment outcomes. The report found most patients began treatment between seven months to a year after first seeing their GP about their fertility problems, but 16% of patients waited for over two years. NHS-funded patients reported longer wait times before starting treatment compared to those who paid privately, with 53% of private patients starting treatment within a year compared to 35% of NHS patients. The regulator said its data shows the number of NHS-funded treatment cycles is falling and accounted for just 27% in 2022. Julia Chain, chairwoman of the HFEA, said: "It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks. She added: "We are also concerned that NHS-funded patients are waiting longer than self-funded patients to start fertility treatment. "The delays faced by NHS patients highlight ongoing issues relating to the provision of specialist care for women. "As part of our response to the government's 10-year plan, we want to see a much shorter time for patients to begin fertility treatment once they have received advice or a referral from their GP."
The Guardian
26-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Three-quarters of UK fertility patients using unproven add-on treatments
Almost three-quarters of people undergoing fertility treatment in the UK are using 'unproven extras' to increase their chances of having a baby, despite little evidence that they work. The findings, from the UK's fertility watchdog, mean that about 40,000 people a year wanting to conceive are spending money on acupuncture, supplements and drugs, even though they are largely unproven. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) issued the caution in its latest annual national patient survey, which captures patients' experiences of NHS and private fertility care. Overall, 73% of patients are using at least one additional test, treatment or emerging technology when undergoing IVF or donor insemination treatment, the survey of 1,500 people showed. Extra treatments can cost up to £1,500, though some – such as mineral and vitamin supplements – are less expensive but can still cost £25 for 30 days' supply. The regulator has been trying since 2017 to reduce the use of such extra treatments 'since almost all remain unproven in increasing the chance of having a baby for most patients'. More than half (52%) of patients who opted to pay for what the HFEA calls an 'unproven extra' did so after discussing with their doctor how effective it was likely to be. Even more (59%) went ahead based on their clinic's recommendation, the HFEA found. The regulator voiced concern about the fact that 'only 37% of patients said their clinics explained the risks of using an additional test, treatment or emerging technology'. 'It's disappointing to see a significant number of patients are still using add-ons and emerging technologies, and particularly disappointing that only half of patients had the effectiveness explained to them, let alone the risks', said Julia Chain, the HFEA's chair. The most commonly used extra (39%) was additional drugs or supplements. Supplements included coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant produced naturally by the body, also found in meat, fish and nuts, which depletes with ageing. Some people say that using it can enhance the quality of the egg. Acupuncture (27%) was the second most popular extra, followed by time-lapse imaging and incubation (26%). About 7% of patients used nutritional therapy, nutritionists and dieticians. About 55,500 people in the UK had fertility treatment in 2022, the latest year for which figures are available. The vast majority – 52,500 – had IVF and 3,000 had donor insemination. The more cycles of treatment a person has had, the likelier they are to have used an add-on. While 86% of those who had had five cycles used an add-on, 62% of those who underwent one cycle did so. Use of endometrial scratching, in which the lining of the womb is 'scratched' before the embryo is implanted, has declined in recent years. However, use of pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), whereby embryos are checked for chromosomal abnormalities, has increased, 'despite there being insufficient evidence of its effectiveness at improving treatment outcomes', the HFEA said. It is most used by patients aged 40-42 and by those living in London. The HFEA regularly reminds clinics to give patients a clear idea of the cost involved in any treatment add-on and how likely it was to increase their chances of success. 'We will continue to remind clinics about improving clarity and communication for patients', Chain added. The watchdog also disclosed that: Some patients are facing increasingly long waits for care, of up to two years, especially for NHS fertility treatment. 51% of patients who used donor sperm got it from abroad, where rules on the maximum number of families that can be created by one donor are looser than in the UK. While 73% of patients are satisfied with their fertility treatment, Asian and black patients are less likely to be satisfied. The Department of Health and Social Care said: 'It is unacceptable fertility patients are being offered unnecessary treatments that will not help them in their goal of becoming parents. We are working to improve access to NHS fertility services for all who need it. We are also currently considering advice from the HFEA about priorities for law reform covering their regulatory powers, including their potential role in digital clinics.'
