ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FOR INFERTILITY: DOES IT WORK?

An estimated four out of ten adults in the United States rely on complementary and alternative medicine to improve their health and quality of life. Therapies that were once found only in day spas are not offered through some of the country’s top medical research facilities, such as Johns Hopkins, Yale and Duke University. Studies have shown that alternative and complementary medicine helps those living with cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and many other chronic conditions. Pediatric programs are also expanding their services in the realm of alternative therapies to augment traditional treatments for autism, attention deficit disorders, asthma and much more.

SKEPTICISM BEHIND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Much of the skepticism behind the alternative and complementary medicine is that little scientific research exists to support the approach. In the world of medicine, “scientific research” is defined by conducting activities using a specific protocol, typically with individuals who agree to participate in a study. Because most of the data related to the benefits of alternative therapies are derived from practical experience in clinical settings, including patient self-report, some in the medical field are resistant to accept alternative and complementary medicine as a viable solution. Both consumer demand and improved outcomes, though, demonstrate that patients are interested in finding more non-traditional options to integrate into their care.

HOW ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES HELP WITH INFERTILITY

Alternative and complementary medicine is not intended to replace traditional medical approaches to infertility, but rather to provide our patients with a comprehensive treatment plan that utilizes every possible avenue. Infertility is one of the most difficult experiences in life, and we believe that offering alternative therapies is beneficial on many levels. The treatments that have provided the greatest benefits are acupuncture, herbal therapies, nutritional interventions and stress management techniques. Acupuncture and nutritional changes have been linked to an increase in pregnancies amongst women who experience infertility. Some of the benefits of alternative therapies are less direct, yet still valuable. Stress reduction approaches are tied to keeping couples engaged in their fertility treatments.