A range of extra treatments marketed by fertility clinics to improve the chances of success during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) lacks convincing evidence that they work, according to a new study published in the scientific journal The Lancet.

While the majority of women undergoing IVF pay for “optional extras”, promoted as increasing fertility outcomes, new Australian research suggests most don’t work.

Many IVF patients would pay for costly extra treatments to increase chances of pregnancy, but new research find many aren't effective.