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A Survey on Public Perception and Satisfaction with the Korean Medicine Infertility Support Program in Korea

Article information

J Korean Med. 2025;46(2):108-123
Publication date (electronic) : 2025 June 1
doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.25022
Suyeon Kim1,§orcid_icon, Ian Ha1,§orcid_icon, Hyein Jeong2,§orcid_icon, Wonsug Son3orcid_icon, Byunghee Choi4orcid_icon, Hanul Kim4orcid_icon, Kyeong Han Kim5,orcid_icon
1School of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University
2Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University
3Department of Formula Science, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University
4KM policy team, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine
5Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University
Correspondence to: Kyeong Han Kim, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University, 61 seonneomeo 3-gil, wansan-gu, Jeonju 54986, Republic of Korea, Tel: +82-63-290-9031, E-mail: solip922@hanmail.net
§

These authors contributed equally

Received 2025 April 14; Revised 2025 May 8; Accepted 2025 May 22.

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate public awareness, perception, and satisfaction regarding the Korean medicine-based infertility support program in South Korea, and to explore its implications for future healthcare policy.

Methods

A nationwide online survey was conducted from September 1 to 30, 2024, targeting men and women with infertility experience. A total of 300 valid responses (200 women and 100 men) were analyzed. The survey included questions on medical history, experience with conventional and Korean medicine treatments, awareness and perception of the infertility support program, and views on its safety and effectiveness.

Results

Among respondents, 50.7% had received an infertility diagnosis, and 80.3% had undergone treatment, primarily through hospitals. Korean medicine treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine received relatively high satisfaction ratings. Awareness of the support program remained low (29.0%), yet the perceived necessity was high (74.7%). Among participants with experience in the program, 56.3% reported satisfaction, and 81.3% expressed willingness to recommend it. However, concerns remained regarding treatment effectiveness and long-term use of herbal decoctions. While 55.3% responded positively to the program’s safety and 52.6% to its effectiveness, neutral responses were also significant.

Conclusions

Despite low awareness, there is substantial demand and satisfaction with Korean medicine infertility care. These findings underscore the need for stronger public outreach, enhanced clinical evidence, and more accessible, standardized treatment models to promote broader utilization and policy development.

Keywords: Subfertility; Infertility; Korean Medicine; Infertility support program

Characteristics of Participants

Patients’ Experience and Satisfaction with Infertility Treatment in Conventional Medical Hospitals

Patients’ Experience and Satisfaction with Infertility Treatment in Korean Medicine

Awareness of Korean Medicine Infertility Support Program

Participation Experience in the Korean Medicine Infertility Support Program

Awareness of the Safety and Efficacy of the Korean Medicine Infertility Support Program

Awareness of the Advantages Regarding Korean Medicine Infertility Treatment

Awareness of the Concerns Regarding Korean Medicine Infertility Treatment

Perceived Benefits of Integrative Western and Korean Medicine Treatment for Infertility

References

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Article information Continued

Table 1

Characteristics of Participants

n %
Sex Male 100 33.3
Female 200 66.7
Age 20–29 5 1.7
30–39 81 27.0
40–49 129 43.0
50–59 67 22.3
60–69 18 6.0
Infertility diagnosis status Yes 152 49.3
Place of diagnosis Hospital 142 85.2
Clinic 11 6.5
Korean medicine hospital 4 2.4
Korean medicine clinic 10 5.9
others 0 0
No 148 49.3
Experience of infertility treatment Yes 122 80.3
Type of medical institution for treatment Hospital 108 74.0
Clinic 11 7.5
Korean medicine hospital 22 15.1
Korean medicine clinic 5 3.4
others 0 0
No 30 19.7

Table 2

Patients’ Experience and Satisfaction with Infertility Treatment in Conventional Medical Hospitals

classification n Score (Mean ± SD)
Male Medication (pharmacological) treatment 16 2.94±0.93
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) 16 2.88±1.15
In vitro fertilization (IVF) 17 3.53±1.07
Female Ovulation induction 57 3.35±0.67
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) 36 3.33±0.79
In vitro fertilization (IVF) 37 3.89±0.99
Others 3 4.33±0.94

Table 3

Patients’ Experience and Satisfaction with Infertility Treatment in Korean Medicine

classification n, Score (Mean ± SD)
Total population Male Female
Acupuncture 12, 3.75±0.75 3, 3.67±0.58 9, 3.78±0.83
Moxibustion 10, 3.90±0.74 1, 3.00±0.00 9, 4.00±0.71
Cupping therapy 6, 3.67±0.82 0 6, 3.67±0.82
Pharmacopuncture 9, 3.89±0.60 2, 4.00±0.00 7, 3.86±0.69
Herbal Decoction 22, 3.55±0.96 7, 3.43±1.13 15, 3.60±0.91
Herbal formula 2, 4.00±1.41 1, 5.00±0.00 1, 3.00±0.00
Chuna 0 0 0

Table 4

Awareness of Korean Medicine Infertility Support Program

classification Mean ± SD
Total population Male Female Western medicine group integrative medicine group
Were you aware of the Korean Medicine infertility support program? 2.55±1.25 2.55±1.27 (n=100) 2.55±1.25 2.82±1.35 3.33±1.12
Were you aware that the Korean Medicine infertility support program also supports males?* 2.98±1.21 2.98±1.21 (n=47) - 3.17±1.29 3.50±0.71
Do you think the Korean Medicine infertility support program is necessary? 3.93±0.89 3.90±1.09 (n=100) 3.95±0.77 3.90±0.90 4.56±0.53
Do you think the Korean Medicine infertility support program for males with infertility is necessary? 3.85±1.15 3.85±1.15 (n=100) - 3.82±1.24 4.75±0.50
*

n = Only men aware of male participation for the Korean Medicine infertility support program were surveyed

Table 5

Participation Experience in the Korean Medicine Infertility Support Program

classification Score (Mean ± SD), N(%)
Participation Experience (n=16) Are you satisfied with the Korean Medicine infertility support program? 3.50±1.03
Would you consider recommending the Korean Medicine infertility support program to others? 3.94±0.77
What stage of pregnancy was achieved within two years after completing the Korean Medicine infertility program? No Pregnancy 7(43.8 %)
Pregnancy Maintained for 3 Months 3(18.8 %)
Pregnancy Maintained for 6 Months 2(12.5 %)
Full-Term Delivery 4(25.0 %)
Others 0(0%)
No Participation Experience (n=284) Would you consider participating in the Korean Medicine infertility support program or recommending it to others? 3.62±0.97

Table 6

Awareness of the Safety and Efficacy of the Korean Medicine Infertility Support Program

classification Mean ± SD
Total population Male Female Western medicine group integrative medicine group
Do you think Korean Medicine infertility treatment is safe? 3.58±0.87 3.58±0.96 3.58±0.83 3.60±0.88 4.00±0.50
Do you think Korean Medicine infertility treatment is effective? 3.52±0.86 3.45±0.98 3.55±0.79 3.53±0.90 3.67±0.86

Table 7

Awareness of the Advantages Regarding Korean Medicine Infertility Treatment

classification N, % (Rank) Score#
First choice Second choice
What do you think are the advantages of Korean Medicine infertility treatment? Infertility, as well as symptoms such as indigestion and menstrual pain, improve together. 91, 30.3% (2) 75, 25.0% (1) 257
Treatment and management are tailored to individual conditions. 115, 38.3% (1) 72, 24.0% (2) 302
There is little fear as the treatment process does not involve severe pain or physical abnormalities. 29, 9.7% (4) 47, 15.7% (3) 105
There are fewer side effects during treatment, making it sustainable without significant burden. 37, 12.3% (3) 45, 15.0% (4) 119
The treatment cost is relatively affordable. 5, 1.7% (7) 26, 8.7% (5) 36
There are many Korean Medicine clinics nearby for infertility treatment, making it easily accessible. 2, 0.7% (8) 12, 4.0% (6) 16
The Korean Medicine practitioner provides significant emotional support during the treatment process. 9, 3.0% (6) 20, 6.7% (7) 38
Others* 12, 4.0% (5) 3, 1.0% (8) 27
#

Score: The response selected as the first priority is assigned 2 points, and the response selected as the second priority is assigned 1 point, with the total score calculated accordingly.

*

Uncertain, improves constitution, seems beneficial for those already receiving Korean Medicine treatment, No advantages, Korean Medicine infertility treatment seems meaningless

Table 8

Awareness of the Concerns Regarding Korean Medicine Infertility Treatment

classification N, % (Rank) score
First choice Second choice
What do you think are the concerns regarding Korean Medicine infertility treatment? It is difficult to receive an infertility diagnosis at Korean Medicine clinics. 54, 18.0% (2) 14, 4.7% (7) 122
There are doubts about the effectiveness of Korean Medicine infertility treatment. 76, 25.3% (1) 36, 12.0% (5) 188
It is difficult to consistently take herbal medicine for a long period (about 3 months). 48, 16.0% (3) 31, 10.3% (6) 127
There are concerns about safety, such as liver toxicity, due to long-term herbal medicine use (about 3 months). 43, 14.3% (4) 45, 15.0% (4) 131
Korean Medicine infertility treatment often needs to be paid out-of-pocket, making it financially burdensome. 35, 11.7% (5) 71, 23.7% (1) 141
There are not many Korean Medicine clinics for infertility treatment nearby, making it difficult to access. 23, 7.7% (6) 52, 17.3% (2) 98
There may be issues when Korean Medicine infertility treatment is combined with medical treatments (e.g., IVF). 21, 7.0% (7) 49, 16.3% (3) 91
Others* 0, 0% (8) 2, 0.7% (8) 2
*

Uncertain

Table 9

Perceived Benefits of Integrative Western and Korean Medicine Treatment for Infertility

classification Score (Mean ± SD)
Total population Male Female Western medicine group integrative medicine group
Do you think combined treatment with Western medicine and Korean medicine infertility programs is necessary? 3.71±0.92 3.72±0.99 3.70±0.88 3.63±0.99 3.78±0.83
Do you think combined treatment with Western medicine and Korean medicine infertility programs is more effective than treating each separately? 3.75±0.93 3.76±1.01 3.74±0.89 3.73±0.95 4.00±1.00