title: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Hebrew University - Hadassah - Braun School of Public Health, Jerusalem, Israel; IVF unit, Assuta Medical Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel. Electronic address: nati.porat@gmail.com.
authors: Anat
authors: A
authors: Porat-Katz
authors: IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors: Talia
authors: T
authors: Eldar-Geva
authors: IVF unit, Assuta Medical Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
authors: Arik
authors: A
authors: Kahane
authors: The Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Center and Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors: Neri
authors: N
authors: Laufer
authors: Reproductive Medicine Unit, Poriya Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Tiberias, Israel.
authors: Johnny S
authors: JS
authors: Younis
authors: Reproductive Medicine Unit, Poriya Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Tiberias, Israel.
authors: Orit
authors: O
authors: Radin
authors: Hebrew University - Hadassah - Braun School of Public Health, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors: Ora
authors: O
authors: Paltiel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Complementary medical therapies; IVF; Infertility; Israel; Prevalence; Survey