Complementary and alternative therapies

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) include acupuncture, herbal medicines and manual therapies such as massage and reflexology. People use CAMs for a range of reasons and many report that CAMs improve their wellbeing.

While CAMs may improve wellbeing, there is no evidence that they improve fertility in men or women or increase the chance of a successful pregnancy for people who have IVF treatment.

Herbal medicines are often made from many different substances. Because the substances or the doses are not always specified, it is not possible to know if they are safe to take in pregnancy.

If you are trying to have a baby, it’s important that you discuss any medication you are taking with your GP or fertility doctor, to make sure it’s safe in pregnancy. This includes:

• herbal medicines
• vitamin and mineral supplements
• homeopathic medicines
• prescription medications
• medications, such as pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications, available over the counter.