Volume 129, Issue 2, May 2015, Pages 133–137
Clinical article
Use of complementary medical therapies by Israeli patients undergoing in vitro fertilization
Abstract
Objective
To
evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of complementary medical
therapy (CMT) use among Israeli couples undergoing in vitro
fertilization (IVF).
Methods
In a
cross-sectional study, men and women undergoing treatment at four IVF
units in Israel were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire
between May 2010 and December 2011. Patients were considered users of
CMT if they reported that either partner used at least one type of CMT
for treating infertility. Stepwise backward logistic regression was used
to assess the independent effects of variables on CMT utilization.
Results
Of
511 patients approached, 400 (78.1%) completed the survey and 159
(39.8%) indicated that CMT for infertility was used by one or both
partners. Higher CMT use was significantly associated with the treating
hospital, post high-school education, more than three previous IVF
trials, being employed, and using psychosocial support (all P < 0.05). Most users (75/129; 58.1%) did not notify the IVF clinic medical staff about concurrent use of CMT.
Conclusion
Use
of CMTs was widely reported by Israeli patients undergoing IVF,
particularly those with higher education, and those undergoing repeated
IVF trials and receiving psychosocial support. IVF staff ought to be
aware of the widespread utilization of CMTs because the impact of these
therapies on IVF outcomes is inconclusive.
Keywords
- Complementary medical therapies;
- Infertility;
- Israel;
- IVF;
- Prevalence;
- Survey
- Corresponding author at: Hebrew University - Hadassah - Braun School of Public Health, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. Tel.:
+ 972 52 8415440; fax: + 972 2 5876005.
- 1
- These authors contributed equally to the study.
Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
