The use of complementary medical therapies (CMT) in infertility patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the utilization of complementary therapies in women undergoing infertility treatment.DESIGN: Prospective surveyMATERIALS AND METHODS: Data compiled from anonymous questionnaires, at a large academic infertility center, included patient demographics, duration/etiology of infertility, & CMT use during infertility treatment.Tabled 1CAM ModalitiesCMTIVF (n=77)IUI (n=18)TI (n=12)Acupuncture92.2%(71)77.8%(14)58.3%(7)Herbs28.6%(22)50%(9)58.3%(7)Yoga20.8%(16)50%(9)58.3%(7)Massage18.2%(14)33.3%(6)25%(3)Special diets16.9%(13)22.2%(4)25%(3)Vitamins33.8%(26)22.2%(4)25%(3)Stress reduction13%(11)11.1%(2)33.3%(4)Meditation16.9%(13)16.7%(3)41.7%(5)Psychotherapy7.8%(6)16.7%(3)8.3%(1)CMT Usage in patients undergoing Infertility treatment Open table in a new tab CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the first documentations of the prevalence of CMT usage in infertility patients. Despite conflicting reports on the efficacy of CMT, 47% of patients completing the survey reported using CMT while undergoing ART. Further studies examining the efficacy of CMT seem warranted. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the utilization of complementary therapies in women undergoing infertility treatment. DESIGN: Prospective survey MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data compiled from anonymous questionnaires, at a large academic infertility center, included patient demographics, duration/etiology of infertility, & CMT use during infertility treatment. CMT Usage in patients undergoing Infertility treatment CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the first documentations of the prevalence of CMT usage in infertility patients. Despite conflicting reports on the efficacy of CMT, 47% of patients completing the survey reported using CMT while undergoing ART. Further studies examining the efficacy of CMT seem warranted.