Do high-tech “add-ons” increase the chance that IVF will work?

40% of the time, it works every timePhotograph: Science Photo Library

Jun 24th 2026|2 min read

TRYING TO conceive through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) leads to disappointment more often than not. About 60% of IVF attempts fail. Fertility clinics offer a long list of tests and procedures purported to boost their customers’ chances. But a review of the evidence, published on June 23rd in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health, found no convincing evidence that most of these “IVF add-ons” are helpful. Worryingly, lots of the published evidence was dubious.