Integrative medicine utilization among infertility patients

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Integrative Health
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Growing interest in holistic approaches for fertility optimization.
• Previous research indicates women use complementary therapies for infertility.
• Need to understand patterns and predictors of integrative medicine use in fertility care.

Purpose of the Study:

• Characterize integrative medicine use patterns for fertility.
• Identify demographic predictors of integrative medicine utilization.
• Explore cultural and religious influences on fertility treatment choices.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of 1460 patients at an academic fertility center.
• Self-reported data on integrative medicine modality usage.
• Statistical analysis including univariate frequencies, bivariate comparisons, and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 80.4% of patients used at least one integrative medicine modality.
• Diet therapy (74.0%) and acupuncture (38.5%) were most common.
• Utilization varied significantly by race, religion, age, income, and insurance.

Conclusions:

• The majority of infertility patients utilize integrative medicine.
• Integrative medicine use is associated with demographic and socioeconomic factors.
• Further research should investigate the impact on patient quality of life and fertility outcomes.