Mucinex for Pregnancy: Fertility Experts Explain Whether It Works

Then there’s the abundance of fertility “ideas” on TikTok, from consuming okra water to avoiding hip thrusts to the one which retains resurfacing: taking Mucinex to get pregnant. Yup, Mucinex, as within the chilly and flu drugs.

Some creators are sharing positive pregnancy tests after making an attempt the “Mucinex technique.” Should you’re prepared to attempt something to get pregnant, they are saying, “you have to try [Mucinex].”

Whereas that’s nice for them, is that this “hack” one that may work for everybody experiencing fertility challenges? Nicely+Good requested an OB-GYN and fertility professional for his or her insights into the reality behind the claims.

Mucinex *does* have potential advantages

Admittedly, the hyperlink between Mucinex and being pregnant makes extra sense—or at the very least appears much less random—when medical doctors clarify the science.

“The idea is that guaifenesin (the lively ingredient in Mucinex) will skinny cervical mucus to enhance the flexibility for sperm to go by way of the cervix to achieve the egg,” says Suzy Lipinski, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group.

This isn’t very far-fetched, contemplating guaifenesin thins mucus in different areas of the physique, making it simpler to clear the stuff out of your nostril and throat. And it’s additionally true that swimmable cervical mucus is a key facet of fertility.

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“Cervical mucus across the time of ovulation turns into moist and slippery. The consistency of the sort of discharge helps sperm swim to an egg on the time of ovulation,” explains Rachel McConnell, MD, a fertility professional with Columbia College Fertility Heart.

She factors to a small 1982 examine in Fertility and Sterility that truly researched guaifenesin’s impact on cervical mucus. The analysis included 40 {couples} who had struggled to get pregnant for at the very least 10 months, presumably due to “hostile” cervical mucus. Every lady was given 200 mg of guaifenesin thrice day by day from day 5 of her menstrual cycle till an increase in biphasic basal physique temperature (which alerts ovulation). In the long run, 23 ladies had a marked enchancment of their cervical mucus high quality, and 15 of these ladies grew to become pregnant.

Of the 15, contributors whose infertility was credited solely to too-thick cervical mucus grew to become pregnant inside about two months on common, whereas those that had further fertility issues obtained pregnant inside about 5 months.

But it surely’s additionally *not* a miracle fertility tablet

It’s necessary to notice that, promising because it appears, the Fertility and Sterility examine has its flaws. It’s greater than 40 years outdated at this level, for one, and it additionally solely checked out a really small variety of individuals. Plus, there was no “management” group to check the outcomes in opposition to.

Seemingly resulting from this lack of high quality analysis: “The makers of Mucinex have very clearly acknowledged that this isn’t a studied use of the remedy and it’s not really useful,” Dr. Lipinski says.

Nonetheless, if thick mucus is the fertility problem at hand, Mucinex might assist some people who find themselves making an attempt to conceive—particularly with the assistance of greatest practices. “It’s best to make use of Mucinex about 5 days previous to anticipated ovulation and proceed it solely by way of the ovulation day,” Dr. McConnell advises. “Nevertheless, sufferers should see their fertility physician to find out if Mucinex could also be useful of their case.”

It’s essential to know the potential dangers, too, particularly should you do get pregnant. In accordance with the American Academy of Family Physicians, guaifenesin “is likely to be unsafe” throughout the first trimester. Some research additionally recommend there’s an increased risk of birth defects, however actually, we don’t have sufficient analysis to know for certain.

You’ll additionally wish to be cautious should you’re chestfeeding, as a result of some variations of Mucinex would possibly affect your milk supply. “If taking Mucinex, it should be Mucinex plain (with solely guaifenesin),” Dr. McConnell says. “Related expectorants wouldn’t be suggested resulting from most containing different elements akin to dextromethorphan [like Mucinex DM] or pseudoephedrine [like Mucinex D], which trigger a drying impact.”

The underside line

Whether or not or not Mucinex actually helps with being pregnant is up within the air. Whereas it may skinny cervical mucus and assist sperm get to an egg, this hasn’t been adequately studied and isn’t really useful or FDA-approved. Quite, Dr. McConnell says, it’s used off-label for being pregnant and its advantages are anecdotal.

So what can you do? Aside from staying hydrated and scheduling intercourse round ovulation, seeing a specialist is a good concept—however at what level?

In accordance with Dr. Lipinski, it is determined by the scenario. “If a pair has tried for one 12 months with no being pregnant, then they need to see a physician for analysis,” she recommends. “If the girl is over 35 years of age, then search analysis after six months of making an attempt.”

Dr. McConnell additionally encourages taking note of what your cervical mucus seems like. “Because the fertile window is entered, cervical mucus will enhance and the consistency and colour grow to be much like egg whites,” she says. “If clear, watery cervical mucus just isn’t famous mid-cycle and you are attempting to conceive, this could be time to debate findings along with your fertility physician.”