A Systematic Assessment of In Vitro Fertilization Add-On Interventions on Canadian Clinic Websites: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES

In vitro fertilization (IVF) "add-ons" are supplementary interventions intended to improve IVF success, despite a lack of robust supporting evidence. Professional organizations advise caution or recommend against the routine use of several add-ons. Clinic websites are a common source of patient-facing information. Therefore, this study examined how Canadian IVF clinic websites describe add-ons, including pricing and references to benefits and harms.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study systematically reviewed Canadian IVF clinic websites between November 2024 and March 2025. Recommendations from Choosing Wisely Canada and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology were used to contextualize website-described add-ons. Two reviewers independently analyzed websites and appraised evidence quality using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence scale. Descriptive analysis summarized the frequency, pricing, and reported benefits and harms of website-described add-ons.

RESULTS

Forty-two Canadian IVF clinic websites were reviewed, and 17 distinct add-ons were identified. Overall, 97.6% described at least 1 add-on intervention. Reported costs ranged from Canadian dollars $200 to $5234 per treatment cycle. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (85.4%) and sperm DNA fragmentation testing (53.7%) were the most commonly described. Potential benefits were referenced in 50.4% of descriptions, whereas harms were mentioned in 22.5%. Only 7.1% of websites cited supporting publications, all classified as low-quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Canadian IVF clinic websites frequently describe add-ons. Clearer communication about the evidence, risks, and the distinction between the standard of care and discretionary add-ons may support informed decision-making.