Women who are planning to get pregnant should take note of the medicines they are taking. According to health experts, there are certain medications -- both over-the-counter meds and prescription drugs -- that can cause fertility problems in women.
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"Because a woman's menstrual cycle is tightly controlled by the interaction between the brain, ovaries, and uterus, any health problem or medication that disrupts this communication could adversely affect ovulation and make it challenging for women to achieve a pregnancy," Dr. Alan Copperman explained to Parents.com. Certain medications can cause fertility problems in women by making some changes in the body's production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland.
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According to Dr. Copperman, most of these medications that affect women's ability to conceive can cause fertility problems in women for a few days. Unfortunately, some medications can interfere with normal fertilization of women for a period of a couple of months.
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Some of the over-the-counter drugs that can have a minor impact on a woman's ability to conceive are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain herbal or natural treatments and remedies. Prescription drugs such as anti-depressants, psychiatric meds, anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs, antipsychotics, thyroid meds and certain skin products with hormone content (estrogen and progesterone) can also fertility problems in women. Cancer treatment like chemotherapy can also have adverse effects on a woman's ability to conceive a baby.
For women who are planning to get pregnant, consulting a fertility doctor is a good idea, according to Baby Center. Doctors can help women find alternative treatments and medications for their health problems that do not cause fertility problems. Taking folic acid supplements and B vitamins such as vitamin B6 and B12 are known to help improve a woman's fertility and ability to conceive a baby.
