When you are undergoing fertility treatment, you want to take every possible action to produce a successful outcome. At our Las Vegas fertility center, we guide our patients through the whole process, answering common questions and offering support. A common area of concern is medications allowed while trying to conceive.
Considerations while trying to get pregnant
If you are trying to conceive, you probably know that keeping up a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a normal body mass index (BMI), and staying away from environmental toxins can improve your chances of success. As a first step, you and your partner should both stop use of all substances, including all forms of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and even nicotine. However, many people don’t realize that taking certain medicines and supplements can also have an impact on the effectiveness of fertility treatment.
Our Las Vegas fertility center physicians want to ensure that our patients are armed with the knowledge about medications allowed while trying to conceive, and which ones to avoid.
Recommendations about medications allowed while trying to conceive
You should always take care about the substances you ingest, but especially when you are trying to get pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment. Medications can have an affect on your fertility even long before you start trying to conceive.
For example, women who take the Depo-Provera birth control shot should consider switching to a different method if they are considering conceiving in the future. Long-time users of this contraceptive injection take longer to return to normal ovulation, and other birth control forms don’t have the same impact.
While you’re actively TTC, consult with your Las Vegas fertility center doctor before taking any medicines or supplements. Your physician can advise you about medications, such as specific pain relievers, cold meds and allergy pills, that are allowed while trying to conceive. There are several points to keep in mind.
- Over-the counter pain meds, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can elevate bleeding risks, which may increase the risk of miscarriage. However, most doctors agree that acetaminophen is safe.
- Even supplements can affect fertility, so don’t add any herbs or homeopathic remedies to your regimen without getting your doctor’s approval. Herbs and supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, so it’s really hard to know which ones are dangerous in pregnancy and which ones are not.
- Before taking any vaccines, consult with your physician.
- Alternatively, don’t stop taking any medications without first discussing your entire prescription medication list with your fertility specialist or primary care doctor. They can review safer alternatives and develop a plan for switching, if needed. Many medications do need to be continued, and many can be changed to be more pregnancy-friendly. Never stop a medication cold-turkey, because your meds were prescribed for a reason, and sometimes, it’s more damaging to stop suddenly.
- Medicines used for chemotherapy, certain powerful acne drugs, ACE inhibitors and some anti-coagulant regimens should be avoided because of the risks of birth defects and/or miscarriage.
- Male partners shouldn’t use testosterone or other similar male performance-enhancing drugs. While it’s true that infertility is stressful and can lead to decreases in libido, these drugs aren’t the best approach when you’re TTC, so be sure to ask your fertility specialist for recommendations.
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas team is dedicated to assisting our patients in attaining their dreams of parenthood. We will walk with you every step of the way. Contact our Las Vegas fertility center to schedule an appointment or for more information about medications allowed while trying to conceive.
FAQ
Q1: Is it safe to take ibuprofen while trying to conceive?
It is generally recommended to avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (like naproxen) while trying to conceive. These medications can interfere with ovulation and implantation, and have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered the safer alternative for pain relief during this time.
When in doubt, one quick call to our team can give you a personalized answer rather than a general one — always consult your fertility specialist before taking any over-the-counter pain medication when you are TTC.
Q2: Can antidepressants affect fertility when trying to conceive?
Some antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), can raise prolactin levels, which may interfere with ovulation, and may also affect sperm count and motility. This applies to patients of all reproductive backgrounds. That said, untreated anxiety and depression can also negatively impact natural fertility — which is why this decision should never be made alone. Stopping antidepressants abruptly can be harmful to your mental and physical health. Never discontinue any psychiatric medication without first consulting your doctor or fertility specialist, who can help you explore pregnancy-friendly alternatives.
Q3: What supplements are safe to take when trying to conceive?
The good news is there are well-supported supplements for the preconception period — starting with a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid, which is strongly recommended for everyone trying to conceive. That said, not all supplements are safe or regulated during this time. Many herbal remedies and homeopathic supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety during conception or pregnancy, and even products marketed as “natural” can interfere with fertility treatment.
Before adding anything new to your routine, get your fertility doctor’s approval — we’re here to help you build a preconception plan that’s right for you.
Q4: Can my partner’s medications affect our chances of conceiving?
Yes. Male partners should also review their medications when trying to conceive. Testosterone supplements and performance-enhancing drugs can significantly reduce sperm production. Certain chemotherapy drugs, some antidepressants, and alpha-blockers can lower sperm count or reduce sperm motility. Because sperm takes approximately 74 days to fully develop, medications taken up to three months before conception can potentially affect fertility.
At FCLV, we evaluate and support both partners — because fertility is a team effort. A fertility specialist can assess both partners and recommend safe alternatives.
Q5: Should I stop taking my prescription medications before trying to conceive?
Please don’t stop any prescription medication without speaking to your doctor first — this is one of the most important things we tell our patients. Many medications need to be continued, and stopping suddenly can be more harmful than the medication itself. Your fertility specialist or primary care physician can review your full medication list and work with you to find pregnancy-compatible alternatives where needed.
Medications such as certain acne drugs (like isotretinoin), some blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors), and specific anticoagulants are known to pose risks and may need to be replaced — but only under medical guidance.
