IVF Add Ons- are there really no benefits? with Emma Whitney

Listen to this episode from Don't Tell Me To RELAX- A Fertility Podcast on Spotify. In the last couple of weeks there have been a lot of reports across the media about IVF Add Ons and there being no benefit to them.The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has issued a warning to those undergoing IVF about “unproven extras” (Add Ons) to increase their chances of having a baby.  These included acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, PGTA testing, microbiome tests, Time Lapse and Immunology amongst others.I am joined by the brilliant Emma Whitney to discuss the findings, how it has been reported in the media and unpick the details behind some of the headlines.We discuss:The role of the HFEA - a legally regulated entity that supports fertility clinics.How the media often misrepresents the findings of patient surveys.How Add-ons can vary significantly in their benefits and applications.How the language used in media can create confusion and fear among patients.Why Time-lapse technology provides valuable insights into embryo development.Why patient context is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of add-ons.How a lack of scientific evidence is different unprovenThe problem of scientific studies in the complexities of fertilityHow the majority of clinics and practitioners are primarily focused on helping patients build families.For more information from Emma see her ⁠Instagram⁠ account and ⁠Website⁠For more information on scientific studies on acupuncture see The British Acupuncture Council Factsheet.Don't Tell Me To RELAX is sponsored by Acupips, quote RELAX for 20% discount.💛 Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fertility Support Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for access to Teaching To Conceive, (our fertility education course), our monthly webinars and lovely group of supportive people who understand where you're at.Don't Tell Me To RELAX! is sponsored by Acupips use code RELAX for 20% discount.🤩 Follow us on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠☎️ Book a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠discovery call⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out how we can support your fertility journey.