‘Royal’ fertility therapy offers false hope – expert

AN alternative therapy promoted by King Charles to boost fertility is offering women ‘false hope’, says a Scottish academic.

Bioethics expert Dr Kevin Smith has warned couples are wasting ‘valuable biological time’ on the ‘scientifically implausible’ therapy of acupuncture.

The ancient Chinese practice – long championed by the King – has become increasingly popular with couples trying to conceive. Practitioners claim it can regulate women’s hormones and menstrual cycle, improve blood flow and egg quality, reduce symptoms of endometriosis and increase sperm quantity and quality.

However, writing in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Dr Smith said there is little evidence-based research and called for more regulation to protect ‘vulnerable’ patients.

His study comes after a holistic fertility programme backed by the King, which offers therapies including acupuncture, reported huge successes.

The Scottish Mail on Sunday revealed that 40 babies had been born to couples taking part in the ‘Royal NHS’ project at Dumfries House, Ayrshire, over the past five years. Dr Smith, who leads the biomedical sciences degree programme at Abertay University, Dundee, carried out research into UK clinics offering fertility acupuncture, which sees fine needles inserted into the skin.

He found that most (88 per cent) didn’t provide accurate information on efficacy and risks.

Dr Smith said: ‘Increasing demand for fertility treatments has led to the rise of private clinics offering complementary and alternative medicine. Most frequently offered is acupuncture.

‘The lack of disclaimers on most of the websites is concerning. It suggests acupuncture as a proven treatment for infertility, which is not accurate. Patients have a right to know the risks. There is clear potential to raise false hopes.’

King Charles recently said he believes that ‘safe and effective complementary medicine can play an important role’.