Dr Reddit? The quality and accuracy of information about IVF add-ons on Reddit.

Authors

Sara Attinger, Joscelyn Gan, Amandi Perera, Nikka Milani, Kim Doyle, Michelle Steeper, Jack Wilkinson, Ektoras X Georgiou, Tammy Hoffmann, Sarah Lensen

Published in

Health promotion international. Volume 41. Issue 5. Sep 01, 2026.

Abstract

IVF add-ons are optional tests, treatments or procedures offered in addition to standard IVF, often at additional cost and with uncertain evidence of benefit. In a commercialized fertility sector, patients must make complex reproductive decisions while navigating variable clinical information, online advice and peer-to-peer narratives. This study examined Reddit as a digital health environment shaping access to information and decision-making about IVF add-ons. Posts and comments from the r/IVF subreddit were extracted from 14 October to 13 November 2024, filtered using IVF add-on keywords, and manually reviewed for eligibility. Eligible content included anecdotes, claims about benefit or lack of benefit, and/or recommendations to use or avoid an add-on. Accuracy of claims was independently assessed by two researchers against evidence-based sources, including Cochrane reviews. Of 32 420 posts and comments screened, 1498 were eligible, comprising 2011 relevant statements: anecdotes (n = 1414), claims (n = 250), and recommendations (n = 347). The most frequently mentioned add-ons were preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, aspirin, antioxidants, acupuncture, and growth hormone. Anecdotes more commonly described success than failure (64% vs 36%). Most claims asserted benefit (161/250, 64%), and most benefit claims were unsupported or contradicted by robust evidence (111/161, 69%). Recommendations overwhelmingly encouraged add-on use (280/347, 81%), despite limited supporting evidence. Online forums can provide valuable peer support, but may also amplify unsubstantiated benefit claims and commercially aligned treatment norms. Accessible, independent, evidence-based digital resources are needed to strengthen reproductive autonomy and informed decision-making in women's reproductive health.

PMID:
42873742
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Oct 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.