Safe Medication When Trying To Conceive

Ready to start a family? It is an exciting time, but it often brings a mix of joy and anxiety. You likely know that lifestyle factors like weight or diet play a role. However, what is in your medicine cabinet matters just as much.

Your menstrual cycle relies on a complex conversation between the brain, uterus, and ovaries ⁽¹⁾. Unfortunately, some everyday pills, both prescription and over-the-counter, can interrupt that chat.

If you are hoping to get a positive test soon, you need to know which drugs help and which ones hinder. Read on for the breakdown of safe and unsafe medications when trying to conceive.

How Does Medicine Affect My Fertility?

Some medications are perfectly fine before or during pregnancy, but others might throw a wrench in your plans. Certain drugs can lower your chances of getting pregnant by messing with ovulation or making the uterus less welcoming for an egg ⁽²⁾.

Your best bet is to schedule a preconception visit with your doctor. They will review your current prescriptions and supplements to ensure everything is safe. If a medication poses a risk, they can often suggest a fertility-friendly alternative.

While you are auditing your medicine cabinet, make sure you add a high-quality prenatal vitamin to the mix. These are packed with the nutrients you need for a healthy conception and pregnancy.

Here is a closer look at common medication categories and how they interact with your reproductive system.

1. Painkillers (NSAIDs vs. Acetaminophen)

When a headache strikes, you might instinctively reach for the ibuprofen. However, taking Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) around ovulation or early pregnancy is risky. Research suggests these drugs may interfere with the release of the egg or implantation.

Some studies have even linked NSAID use in early pregnancy to a significantly higher risk of miscarriage ⁽³⁾.

To be safe, avoid these common NSAIDs while trying to conceive:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Aspirin (unless prescribed by a doctor for clotting issues)

This advice applies to men, too. Regular NSAID use has been linked to fertility issues in males ⁽⁴⁾.

The Safer Alternative: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered the safest option for pain relief while trying to conceive. It is not an anti-inflammatory, so it does not carry the same risks. Just stick to the recommended dosage and use it only when necessary.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally considered safe in conception and pregnancy ⁽⁵⁾. However, in 2016, some studies linked acetaminophen to autism and ADHD in children of mothers who had taken it during pregnancy ⁽⁶⁾. Use acetaminophen in limited quantities and only when necessary.

Editor's Note:

Caitlin Goodwin, MSN, RN, CNM

A Note on Opioids:
Prescription opioids are narcotics used for severe pain, but they can cause complications like heart defects or neural tube defects in a baby ⁽⁷⁾. Furthermore, long-term opioid use can lower fertility rates in women and reduce libido in both partners. If possible, avoid them while trying for a baby.

2. Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

Mental health is vital, and about one in 10 American adults takes antidepressants ⁽⁸⁾. If you are one of them, do not panic, and do not stop your medication cold turkey.

However, it is important to know that some psychiatric drugs can affect the reproductive system. They may interfere with hormonal regulation or prolactin levels, which are key for ovulation.

The last thing that I want to do is inflict guilt, anxiety, or blame on anyone taking antidepressants. Mental health is a serious issue that may require a delicate balance of therapy and medication. To focus on becoming a mother or facing a fertility challenge, it’s important to care for yourself. Medications may be imperative to your journey — and we support you. A mentally healthy mother sets up a family for success.

Editor's Note:

Caitlin Goodwin, MSN, RN, CNM

Women taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may experience a longer time to conception. Some studies also link SSRIs to a slightly higher risk of preterm birth ⁽⁹⁾.

Men aren’t off the hook here, either. SSRIs can sometimes cause sperm DNA damage, affecting male fertility ⁽¹⁰⁾.

What to do: Talk to your provider. They might switch you to a safer medication or adjust your dosage. Alternatives like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be effective ⁽¹¹⁾. The goal is a healthy mom and a healthy baby, so finding the right balance is key.

3. Cough and Cold Medicine

You may have heard the rumor that cough syrup helps you get pregnant. The theory is that guaifenesin (an expectorant) thins cervical mucus just like it thins mucus in your lungs, making it easier for sperm to swim.

While anecdotal evidence exists, there is no solid medical data to back this up.

On the flip side, you want to avoid cold meds containing antihistamines or dextromethorphan. These dry up mucus, which is the opposite of what you want when trying to conceive. Dextromethorphan should also be avoided during pregnancy unless approved by a doctor ⁽¹²⁾.

4. Steroids

Steroids like prednisone and cortisone are lifesavers for conditions like asthma or lupus. However, they can prevent the release of hormones necessary for ovulation, especially at high doses ⁽¹³⁾. Also, men taking anabolic steroids for muscle building should stop immediately, as these can severely reduce sperm count.

5. Antibiotics

Most antibiotics are safe, but some women report changes in their cycle or cervical mucus while taking them. While there is no concrete evidence that antibiotics directly cause infertility, the infection you are treating might stress your body enough to delay ovulation.

Certain classes of antibiotics, like tetracyclines, should be avoided if you think you might be pregnant ⁽¹⁴⁾. Always finish your prescribed course, but let your doctor know you are trying to conceive so they can choose a pregnancy-safe option.

6. Skin and Hair Products (Retinoids)

We often forget that what we put on our body is just as important as what we put in it.

• Retinoids: If you use prescription acne medication like isotretinoin (Accutane) or topical retinoids (Retin-A), stop immediately. These are known to cause severe birth defects.
• Phthalates and Parabens: These chemicals are common in lotions and shampoos but can act as endocrine disruptors ⁽¹⁵⁾. It is worth switching to “clean” beauty products while trying to conceive.

7. Vaccines

Staying immunized is important, but timing is everything. Live virus vaccines carry a small theoretical risk to a fetus.

• Yellow Fever: If traveling to an area requiring this shot, get it at least one month before trying to conceive ⁽¹⁶⁾.
• Rubella (MMR): Doctors recommend waiting at least four weeks after this shot before getting pregnant ⁽¹⁷⁾.
• Malaria Prophylaxis: Some anti-malaria pills are unsafe for pregnancy. If you must travel to a malaria zone, consult an infectious disease specialist about safe preventatives.

How Can I Be Safe While Taking Medication?

Navigating the pharmacy aisle can be tricky. Here is a cheat sheet for staying safe:

• Consult first: Always ask your doctor before starting any new drug, including herbal remedies. “Natural” does not always mean safe for pregnancy.
• Read the label: Look for warnings regarding pregnancy or breastfeeding. New FDA labeling guidelines make this information easier to find ⁽¹⁸⁾.
• Don’t self-adjust: Never change your dosage or stop a prescription without medical advice. Uncontrolled health conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes) are often more dangerous to fertility than the medication itself.
• Keep a log: Use a journal or an app to track what you take. If you do get a positive test, having a record of exactly what you took and when will be helpful for your OB-GYN.

FAQs

Can Allergy Medication Affect My Ability to Conceive?

Yes, it is possible. Antihistamines work by drying up secretions in the body, which includes cervical mucus. Fertile cervical mucus is essential for helping sperm travel to the egg. If you are trying to conceive, look for non-drying allergy treatments or consult your doctor for alternatives.

Is Melatonin Safe to Take While Trying to Get Pregnant?

Research on melatonin is mixed. Some studies suggest it acts as an antioxidant that may improve egg quality, while others suggest high doses might disrupt ovulation. Because it is a hormone, it is best to speak with your doctor about dosage before using it as a sleep aid while TTC.

Do Antibiotics Cancel Out Birth Control?

This is largely a myth for most antibiotics. Only one specific type, rifampin (used for tuberculosis), is proven to decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. However, if you are stopping birth control to get pregnant, antibiotics generally will not hinder your fertility, though the infection itself might.

In Conclusion

Review your medicine cabinet, swap out the ibuprofen for acetaminophen, and talk to your doctor about any prescriptions. With a few simple adjustments, you can ensure your body is in the best possible shape to welcome a new baby.