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 attempting the “Mucinex methodology.” In the event you’re prepared to strive something to get pregnant, they are saying, “you have to try [Mucinex].”

Whereas that’s nice for them, is that this “hack” one that can work for everybody experiencing fertility challenges? Properly+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 no less than appears much less random—when docs clarify the science.

“The idea is that guaifenesin (the energetic ingredient in Mucinex) will skinny cervical mucus to enhance the power for sperm to go via 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 one of these 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 research in Fertility and Sterility that really researched guaifenesin’s impact on cervical mucus. The analysis included 40 {couples} who had struggled to get pregnant for no less than 10 months, probably due to “hostile” cervical mucus. Every girl was given 200 mg of guaifenesin 3 times each day from day 5 of her menstrual cycle till an increase in biphasic basal physique temperature (which alerts ovulation). Ultimately, 23 girls had a marked enchancment of their cervical mucus high quality, and 15 of these girls 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 acquired pregnant inside about 5 months.

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

It’s essential to notice that, promising because it appears, the Fertility and Sterility research 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 folks. Plus, there was no “management” group to match the outcomes in opposition to.

Possible because of this lack of high quality analysis: “The makers of Mucinex have very clearly said that this isn’t a studied use of the treatment and it isn’t beneficial,” Dr. Lipinski says.

Nonetheless, if thick mucus is the fertility concern at hand, Mucinex could assist some people who find themselves attempting 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 via the ovulation day,” Dr. McConnell advises. “Nonetheless, 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 in the event you do get pregnant. Based on the American Academy of Family Physicians, guaifenesin “may be unsafe” in the course of 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 positive.

You’ll additionally wish to be cautious in the event you’re chestfeeding, as a result of some variations of Mucinex would possibly affect your milk supply. “If taking Mucinex, it have to be Mucinex plain (with solely guaifenesin),” Dr. McConnell says. “Comparable expectorants wouldn’t be suggested because of most containing different elements corresponding 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 might skinny cervical mucus and assist sperm get to an egg, this hasn’t been adequately studied and isn’t beneficial or FDA-approved. Relatively, Dr. McConnell says, it’s used off-label for being pregnant and its advantages are anecdotal.

For its half, Reckitt (the corporate that makes Mucinex) says it is conscious of the social media claims round Mucinex and fertility. “It is essential that we make clear that Mucinex ought to solely be used as supposed according to label instructions. Taking Mucinex for infertility constitutes off-label use,” Reckitt informed Properly+Good in an e-mail assertion. “Taking any medicines outdoors their accredited indications or with out acknowledging all energetic elements could also be dangerous. In case of doubt, we suggest girls have a dialogue with their healthcare skilled.”

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

Based on Dr. Lipinski, it will depend on the scenario. “If a pair has tried for one yr and not using a being pregnant, then they need to see a health care provider for analysis,” she recommends. “If the girl is over 35 years of age, then search analysis after six months of attempting.”

Dr. McConnell additionally encourages taking note of what your cervical mucus seems like. “Because the fertile window is entered, cervical mucus will improve and the consistency and colour change into much like egg whites,” she says. “If clear, watery cervical mucus is just not famous mid-cycle and you are attempting to conceive, this might be an excellent time to debate findings together with your fertility physician.”