Ibuprofen

For those who suffer from chronic pain, a doctor will recommend over the counter drugs like Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, Advil, or Aspirin. But for those trying to conceive, the usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not recommended.

A study printed in the journal of clinical pharmacology,Delay of Ovulation by Meloxicam in Healthy Cycling Volunteers: A Placebo Controlled, Double Blind, Crossover Study, followed 20 women throughout four menstrual cycles. The study found that a five-day delay in ovulation, an increase in follicle size, and a decrease in progesterone levels occurred after these women took a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. While conception can occur when lowered levels of progesterone are present, it is suggested that implantation may not take place in this case, which would result in miscarriage.

To prevent a lowering of your progesterone level, stop taking drugs like Ibuprofen right before ovulation, although using this kind of medication for menstrual cramps is considered safe.

Something else to keep in mind if youre using over the counter medications and trying to get pregnant is that decongestants narrow the blood vessels in the nasal passage and slow mucus production, and can affect cervical mucus as well. Drying up the cervical mucus puts more strain on the sperm, and this can make getting pregnant more difficult.