Evaluation of the relative cost-effectiveness of treatments for infertility in the UK

Z Philips, Mariana Barraza-Lloréns, M Barraza-Llorens, John Posnett, J Posnett
Human Reproduction · 2000 · vol. 15(1) , pp. 95–106 · doi:10.1093/humrep/15.1.95 · PMID:10611196 · W2055559919
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This paper models the cost-effectiveness of infertility treatments in the UK, finding IVF most cost-effective for severe tubal factors/endometriosis, surgery for mild/moderate disease, medical treatment for ovulatory factors, and IUI for unexplained/male factors.

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Abstract

This paper aims to complement existing clinical guidelines by providing evidence of the relative cost-effectiveness of treatments for infertility in the UK. A series of decision-analytical models have been developed to reflect current diagnostic and treatment pathways for the five main causes of infertility. Data to populate the models are derived from a systematic review and routine National Health Service activity data, and are augmented with expert opinion. Costs are derived from an analysis of extra-contractual referral tariffs and private sector data. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out to take account of the uncertainty of model parameters and to allow results to be interpreted in the light of local circumstances. Results of the modelling exercise suggest in-vitro fertilization is the most cost-effective treatment option for severe tubal factors and endometriosis, with surgery the most cost-effective in the case of mild or moderate disease. Ovulatory factors should be treated medically with the addition of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome. For other causes, stimulated intrauterine insemination (unexplained and moderate male factor) and stimulated donor intrauterine insemination (severe male) are cost-effective.

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Condition tags

endometriosisinfertility

MeSH descriptors

Cost-Benefit Analysis Reproductive Techniques Diathermy Fallopian Tube Diseases Fallopian Tube Diseases Female Fertilization in Vitro Fertilization in Vitro Humans Infertility Infertility Infertility Infertility Insemination, Artificial Laparoscopy Male Models, Biological Models, Statistical Ovulation Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

References (28)

Cited by (15)

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK