Fertility Decoded

Steroids / glucocorticoids (immune treatment)

Steroid tablets given to 'calm' the immune system, in the hope they aid implantation.

Written by Fertility Decoded. Reviewed by D R, MS (OBG), FRM. Review date: 31 August 2026.

The verdict

Not recommended routinely.

Who are these bodies?

HFEA
— UK fertility regulator; rates add-ons by evidence (traffic-light).
ESHRE
— European fertility society; evidence-based practice guidance.
NICE
— UK health-guidance body; what the NHS will and won't fund.
ISAR
— Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction; Indian expert consensus.
Cochrane
— Independent global reviewers of the underlying studies.

  • HFEA

    UK regulator

    Red — may reduce effectiveness — chance of a baby
    Source

  • ESHRE

    European society

    Not recommended

    Not recommended for any group (immunology treatments).

    Source

  • NICE

    UK NHS guidance

    Do not use (2026)

    NG257 1.42.1: do not use immunological agents, including steroids (glucocorticoids), as part of fertility treatment.

    Source

  • ISAR

    Indian society

    No position

    Not addressed in the 2021 ISAR add-ons consensus.

  • Cochrane

    Evidence base

    Meta-analysis of commonly used IVF immunotherapies shows no benefit.

Typical cost in India

Low drug cost; varies.

Sources

Take this further

Sources last reviewed .