Women’s Use of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine During Infertility Treatment

The number of individuals benefiting from traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) is increasing daily across the world. This descriptive study was conducted in order to determine the use of TCIM in 301 women who attended the in vitro fertilization center and obstetrics clinic of a university hospital for infertility treatment between July 4, 2021, and October 1, 2022. The data were collected using an Introductory Information Form, and a TCIM checklist. In the data analysis, count and percentages were used for descriptive data, mean-standard deviation and its test for continuous variables, and the chi-squared and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. It was determined that the women had the most awareness about the use of vitamins and minerals (88.7%), prayer (76.1%), herbal treatments (73.4%), imagery (69.8%), and diet (68.4%). The types of TCIM they used most were vitamins and minerals (81.4%), prayer (66.4%), imagery (62.8%), and probiotics (50.5%). It was also determined that they were most satisfied with exercise (80.5%), Reiki (80%), and relaxation techniques (78.6%). The study found that approximately half of the women used TCIM during their infertility treatment. It is extremely important for health care personnel to be knowledgeable about TCIM methods, to question the use of TCIM in women during infertility treatment without prejudice, and to inform these women about the benefits and possible risks of TCIM use.