Why some women are taking cold remedies to assist them get pregnant — and what the evidence says.

The desire to have biological children of our own is robust in lots of us. And the will is commonly felt more intensely in those scuffling with infertility. So the promise of a straightforward solution is tough to disregard – which is why the “Mucinex method” is trending on social media.

Many women on TikTok attribute their successful pregnancies to their use of the widely available cough and cold medicine Mucinex – or similar over-the-counter decongestants that contain the lively ingredient guaifenesin.

Why would a drug designed to alleviate cough and cold symptoms help women get pregnant? During unprotected intercourse, sperm accumulate within the upper a part of the vagina. To reach and fertilize an egg, sperm must first go through the cervix, a small tube that connects the vagina and uterus.

The cervix plays a vital role in regulating the passage of semen through the production of cervical mucus. During a lady's menstrual cycle, the quantity and consistency of cervical mucus ChangesMaximize across the time of ovulation.

If there is simply too much mucus, or it is simply too thick, it could prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. So, the concept is that by taking Mucinex, a lady will thin her cervical mucus and make it easier for the sperm to achieve the egg.

The growing popularity of fertility tracking apps has increased consumer awareness of fertile window symptoms, including through cervical mucus monitoring. Quantity and consistency. After becoming aware of their individual symptoms, it's then that ladies who are attempting or, indeed, struggling to conceive, can begin to think about what it means to get pregnant at any time. How to enhance your possibilities of being

A straightforward over-the-counter product like Mucinex looks like a fast and straightforward solution with potentially faster results than weight-reduction plan or changes in other lifestyle aspects.

Not surprisingly, questions are being asked about taking Mucinex, or other guaifenesin-containing medications, as a fertility aid.

In fact, there could be very little scientific evidence to prove that Mucinex might help with fertility. gave Most cited The scientific study dates back to 1982 and was published within the journal Fertility and Sterility. Here, scientists studied 40 couples whose infertility was described as a “cervical issue.”

The women within the study got 200mg of guaifenesin, thrice a day starting on the fifth day of their menstrual cycle. By the top of the study, 15 of the 40 couples had change into pregnant, a few of which can support using guaifenesin.

However, since there was no group that didn't receive guaifenesin (control group), it's unlikely that these attacks may very well be attributed to guaifenesin alone.

In one A separate case studyOne man took 600mg of guaifenesin, twice a day, for 2 months. Studies have reported dramatic increases in sperm production and motility. However, because the study was conducted on a 32-year-old man, the researchers couldn't confirm that guaifenesin was the reason behind the change.

It must be noted that Reckitt, the maker of Mucinex, said: In a statement that Mucinex “should only be used according to label directions”. And that taking Mucinex for infertility is an “off-label use”.

Is there anything incorrect with taking guaifenesin to get pregnant?

Although no link between guaifenesin and birth defects has been identified, there are not any firm data yet on how guaifenesin may affect fetal development.

For those seeking to change into parents, the concept of ​​increasing their probabilities with widely available drugs is comprehensible. However, there will not be enough evidence to support taking guaifenesin to enhance fertility.

There are a spread of other easy, lifestyle changes which have been shown to assist get pregnant. These include maintaining a healthy weight and weight loss plan, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and reducing stress. For those having trouble conceiving, the very best, and possibly easiest, advice is to seek advice from your doctor.