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

ObjectiveTo 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.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingEight 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 ≥$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.