Complementary and Alternative Management of Female Infertility in African Women: A Systematic Review Protocol.

Infertility affects millions of African women and carries significant emotional and social consequences in communities where motherhood is highly valued. Researchers conducted a systematic review examining what complementary and alternative treatments African women use when trying to conceive. They searched eight major medical databases for peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025, ultimately analyzing 30 studies out of 300 initial records. The review found that African women commonly use multiple approaches simultaneously when managing infertility, rather than relying solely on conventional Western medicine. The most frequently used complementary therapies included herbal remedies and plant-based products, prayer and spiritual practices, dietary and lifestyle modifications, indigenous counseling, and acupuncture. Women chose these treatments for several reasons: cultural beliefs about health and fertility, strong social pressure to conceive, limited access to conventional fertility treatments, and perceived gaps in standard medical care. The findings reveal that women experiencing infertility often combine traditional healing practices with modern medicine in their efforts to become pregnant. This pattern reflects deeply rooted cultural values and practical considerations about healthcare access and affordability. For women considering acupuncture as part of their fertility journey, these findings suggest it is already being incorporated into infertility care across African settings, though the review focused on usage patterns rather than effectiveness. If you're interested in trying acupuncture for fertility support, seek a licensed acupuncturist with specialized training in reproductive health.

This systematic review examined complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) utilization patterns for female infertility management across African populations. Researchers searched eight databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Medline, ProQuest, ScienceDirect) for peer-reviewed studies published 2020-2025. From 300 records, 30 studies met inclusion criteria. Findings demonstrated widespread pluralistic health-seeking behaviors among African women with infertility, driven by sociocultural beliefs, psychosocial pressures, accessibility issues, and perceived conventional care limitations. Primary CAM modalities included herbal remedies, prayer, plant-based products, lifestyle/dietary modifications, indigenous counseling, and acupuncture. No effect sizes or outcomes data were reported as this was a mapping review of usage patterns rather than efficacy. Clinical relevance: practitioners should recognize that African patients may simultaneously utilize multiple traditional and biomedical approaches. Cultural competency and open dialogue about concurrent CAM use is essential for providing patient-centered fertility care in these populations.