Fertility Decoded

Steroids / glucocorticoids (immune treatment)

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

The verdict

Not recommended routinely.

Evidence positions on Steroids / glucocorticoids (immune treatment) from HFEA, ESHRE, NICE and ISAR
BodyPosition
HFEA
  • Red — may reduce effectivenessfor chance of a baby
ESHRENot recommended

Not recommended for any group (immunology treatments).

Source
NICEDo not use (2026)

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

Source
ISARNo position

Not addressed in the 2021 ISAR add-ons consensus.

Cochrane evidence base

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

In India

Low drug cost; varies.

Sources

Take this further

Last reviewed .