ERRATUM. Evaluation of the use of alternative and complementary therapies and conception status of women receiving infertility treatment

This study aims to evaluate the use of alternative and complementary therapies and conception status of women receiving infertility treatment. A total of 349 patients who applied to the infertility department of Medipol University and Private Nisa Hospital between 15th November 2020 and 15th January 2021 were included in the study on their consent in participating in the research. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using an information form prepared in accordance with the literature review carried out by the researchers. The pregnancy status of the patients was recorded as a result of the treatment and their relationship with the use of alternative and complementary therapies was examined. Of the 349 patients who participated in the study. A statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was detected between using assistive treatment methods and the length of infertility duration (year) and infertility treatment duration (month). Furthermore, the difference between using complementary therapies and age (p=0.011), income status (p<0.001), marriage duration (p<0.001), infertility type (p=0.010), and the source of infertility (p=0.009) was also found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). 103 (%70.48) women were found to be pregnant after the infertility treatment. The most commonly used alternative and complementary therapy in pregnant women was visiting shrine (38.05%, n=43), while the most used Traditional and Complementary Medicine method was cupping (37.50%, n =27). 90 (87.37%) of the pregnant women used an complementery method and this was statistically significant (p<0.001). However, there was no relationship between acupuncture, cupping and conception (p: 0.997, p: 0.090, respectively). We found a significant relationship between the use of alternative and complementary therapy and conception; and the most successful Traditional and Complementary Medicine method was cupping but no relationship was found between cupping and conception so further studies needed to be done whether this method affects pregnancy.