Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Treximet) hinder ovulation and reduce progesterone levels in women, a recent study found. This reduction in fertility was occurred after only 10 days of regular use of NSAIDs. The reduction is not permanent—going off the drugs will reverse the changes. Lead researcher Sami Salman, M.D., advises, “a woman is not going to get pregnant if she continues to take NSAIDs, and doctors need to advise women to stop taking these drugs if they want to be fertile."

In addition to ibuprofen and naproxen, other NSAIDs commonly used for migraine include diclofenac (Cambia, Voltaren) and indomethacin (Indocin).

The study’s participants were 39 women of childbearing age with minor back pain. They were given one of the following drugs: diclofenac (100 mg per day), naproxen (500 mg twice daily), etoricoxib (90 mg per day; this drug isn’t available in the U.S.), or a placebo. Before starting the given medication, each women underwent an ultrasound to check the diameter of her dominant follicle, ovary size, and endothelia thickness. Each woman’s progesterone levels were also tested.

Treatment with NSAIDs began on the 10^th day of each particpants menstrual cycle. After taking the assigned drug for 10 consecutive days, participants underwent the same tests as they did at the start of the study. All women on the placebo ovulated in this 10-day period, but those on NSAIDs ovulated at a far lower frequency. 75% of women taking diclofenac did not ovulate, 25% of those taking naproxen did not, and 33% taking etoricoxib did not. No matter which NSAID the women took, they had far lower levels of progesterone than those on the placebo. A month after stopping the NSAIDs, half the women returned for further testing. All ovulated normally in that menstrual cycle.

This is one of many studies indicating that NSAIDs can reduce fertility. If you are having fertility problems and use NSAIDs frequently, please talk to your doctor about other methods to reduce pain. Whether or not you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important to see your doctor if you take NSAIDs regularly for headaches or migraine attacks. There are other treatments that might be more effective for you and you could be at risk for medication overuse (rebound) headache.

REFERENCE

Harrison, P. (2015, June 16). NSAIDs Dramatically Reduce Ovulation With Consistent Use. Medscape. Retrieved 6/30/15 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/846552?nlid=83026_2042.