RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is generally increasing. CAM use in relation to fertility treatment is sparsely studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the use prevalence and patterns of CAM among Danish women and men initiating or receiving fertility treatment. Additionally, we aimed to establish whether several fertility treatment attempts influenced CAM use prevalence. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the second largest fertility clinic in Denmark in the period from April to June 2018. The CAM use prevalence was reported for two groups of patients. Specifically, CAM use prior to or during fertility treatment was compared between groups, and various general patterns were reported. RESULTS Among the 411 patients approached, 277 responded (67.4%). Among these patients, 142 participants had not previously received fertility treatment, whereas 135 participants had received treatment at least once previously. We found that 52.5% of the patients initiating and undergoing fertility treatment had used CAM. Furthermore, previous fertility treatment was related to a higher CAM use. Surprisingly, only 53.4% of the participating women used folic acid. CONCLUSIONS More than half of the women and men initiating or undergoing fertility treatment had been using the investigated CAM. Of notice, folic acid compliance was low. The frequency of CAM use increased during fertility treatment. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.