Experts warn of ‘dangerous’ fertility add-ons in Ireland

"Many or most of these [fertility] add-ons have very little, if any, evidence or data backing them up"

The warning comes as part of a new RTE Investigates documentary, Fertility Uncovered, which looks into the growing number of so-called "add-ons" being promoted to people undergoing fertility treatment.

It is understood that these "add-ons" are being marketed as a way of increasing a person's chances of becoming pregnant.

However, Dr. Tim Child, Associate Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Oxford, said many have very little evidence to support the claims being made.

"Many or most of these add-ons have very little, if any, evidence or data backing up to show that they increase, for instance, the live birth rate," he said.

Some of the treatments promoted at the Future Fertility Show in Dublin have been given a red rating by the UK's fertility regulator.

This means there are genuine safety concerns or there is evidence that they may not improve the chances of having a baby.

One treatment which is spoken about in the documentary is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is promoted alongside claims about so-called "natural killer (NK) cells".

Professor Ashley Moffett, Emeritus Professor of Reproductive Immunology at the University of Cambridge, said any claims that the immune system can reject an embryo are wrong.

“The idea that the mother’s immune system can reject the foetus is wrong, that is incorrect.”

She also questioned the use of blood tests to identify NK cells, saying: “These NK Cells in the blood tell you nothing about the ones that are in the uterus, because the ones in the uterus are quite unique to the uterus. So, you can tell nothing about them from doing a blood test ,they are absolutely meaningless.”

Steroids were also recommended by some providers, despite potential risks during pregnancy.

Dr Child warned: “This is not like taking smarties. And in my opinion, it would be safer to take smarties and cheaper and more enjoyable than taking steroids when we know there are some risks including gestational diabetes and some other significant pregnancy complications.”

Another treatment looked into was platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is sometimes promoted as a way of improving fertility. The UK's regulator has advised against its use for most fertility patients due to a lack of good evidence.

The programme also highlights concerns about the lack of full regulation of the fertility sector in Ireland.

Caitríona Fitzpatrick of NISIG, Ireland's National Infertility Charity, said people struggling to have a baby can be particularly vulnerable to misinformation.

“Fertility is one of the hardest areas for people to spot misinformation on because the people looking at it are under such stress and they're such a vulnerable group.”

RTÉ Investigates: Fertility Uncovered airs tonight, Wednesday October 7th, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.