The use of complementary and alternative fertility treatment in couples seeking fertility care: data from a prospective cohort in the United States

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among couples seeking fertility care and to identify the predictors of CAM use in this population.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Eight community and academic infertility practices.

Patient(s): A total of 428 couples presenting for an infertility evaluation.

Intervention(s): Interviews and questionnaires.

Main outcome measure(s): Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine therapy.

Result(s): After 18 months of observation, 29% of the couples had utilized a CAM modality for treatment of infertility; 22% had tried acupuncture, 17% herbal therapy, 5% a form of body work, and 1% meditation. An annual household income of > or = $200,000 (odds ratio 2.8, relative to couples earning <$100,000), not achieving a pregnancy (odds ratio 2.3), and a positive attitude toward CAM use at baseline were independently associated with CAM use.

Conclusion(s): A substantial minority of infertile couples use CAM treatments. CAM was chosen most commonly by wealthier couples, those not achieving a pregnancy, and those with a baseline belief in the effectiveness of CAM treatments.