{"id":627750,"date":"2024-04-12T12:25:55","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T16:25:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627750"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:01:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:01:05","slug":"medication-management-while-trying-to-conceive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medication-management-while-trying-to-conceive\/","title":{"rendered":"Medication management while trying to conceive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Deciding to start or expand your family is a life-changing moment, so naturally, many individuals want to do everything they can to prepare. Ensuring a healthy pregnancy starts with looking at your current health and the medicines you take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicines take effect as the body absorbs them. They interact with cells to affect all sorts of body functions—from nerve signaling to hormone synthesis. Some medications are known to affect fertility, whereas more research is needed about others. Understanding the medications you take is a vital part of conception planning, as a well-informed approach to medications may help you avoid barriers to getting pregnant. <\/span><\/p>\n

Importance of medication management while trying to conceive<\/b><\/h2>\n

Infertility is more common than you may think. In the U.S., as many as <\/span>1 in 5<\/span><\/a> married women aged 15 to 49 years with no prior births are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Age, health, lifestyle, and environment all affect a person’s capability to conceive. <\/span><\/p>\n

Medications are a modifiable factor that may impact a person’s fertility. Some drugs interfere with ovulation or thicken or reduce <\/span>cervical mucus<\/span><\/a>, which makes it difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg and for the egg to implant in the uterus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn how your medications work so you can talk with your healthcare provider about alternatives with confidence. <\/span><\/p>\n

Medications that can harm fertility <\/b><\/h2>\n

Couples trying to conceive should talk with their doctors about the medications they’re taking, as some may impact their odds of getting pregnant. <\/span><\/p>\n

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/b><\/h3>\n

People take <\/span>NSAIDs<\/span><\/a> to relieve aches and pains. There are multiple types of NSAIDS, and each can impact fertility. <\/span>
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\n<\/b>Some common<\/span> OTC COX-2 inhibitors<\/span><\/a> that may affect fertility include but are not limited to Aleve (<\/span>naproxen<\/span><\/a>) and Voltaren (<\/span>diclofenac<\/span><\/a>). These medications may <\/span>prevent pregnancy<\/span><\/a> by affecting ovulation, fertilization, and implantation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Naproxen and meloxicam (prescription only) may also lower sperm count and movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: Ibuprofen—a common NSAID—is a <\/span>non-selective<\/span><\/i> COX inhibitor. It acts differently in the body and is <\/span>unlikely to affect fertility<\/span><\/a> in the same way.<\/span>
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\n<\/b>Common prescription medications that may temporarily affect ovulation, resulting in some cases where the ovaries will fail to release an egg, include but are not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n