Oral complementary medicine use and first-cycle in vitro fertilisation – What are the effects on the oocyte, the embryo and the pregnancy rate?

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effect of oral complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on the oocyte, embryo and pregnancy rate in first-cycle in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Method: A prospective cohort study using the International CAM Questionnaire, reviewing patient IVF outcomes. Local ethics approval was obtained. Results: Over 18 months (October 2015 to April 2017) 25 patients were prospectively recruited, with 52% (n = 13) using herbal or dietary supplements, including Chinese medicine, fish oil, liver ‘detox’, co-enzyme Q10, spirulina, probiotics and maca root. Comparing users to non-users, there was no statistical difference in age, body mass index, primary infertility, gravidity or parity. T..