Do you worry that the over the counter medications you take for a headache or allergies could impact your fertility? What about CBD or melatonin? We talk with Dr. Kathleen Tucker, a scientific director for various IVF labs; and with K.E. Tucker Consulting, and Dr. Angie Beltos, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Vios Fertility Institute.

In this episode, we include:

• Research has found three reasons why the impact of OTC medication on fertility has become an increasing issue.
  • We are taking more medications now that people in the past. 
  • People are waiting longer to start a family and age is associated with greater medication use.
  • People are experiencing more chronic disease at earlier ages.
• Taken together, these factors have increased the number of prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs being taken by women and men attempting to get pregnant with or without fertility treatment.
• As always, talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding both prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Impact of OTC drugs on fertility - female and male fertility.
  • Impact on natural conception.
  • Impact when taken during fertility treatment.
  • Impact on pregnancy.
• Impact of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) on fertility.
  • Aspirin (brand names include Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, St. Joseph)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Excedrin (acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine)
  • Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn)
  • Celecoxib (Celebrex)-prescription only
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Antacids-histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors
• Antihistamines B-both types? 1st generation, 2nd generation
• Sleep aids
• CBD
• Other common over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• Skin and hair care products
• Herbal supplements?
• As always, talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding both prescription and non-prescription.

This podcast is produced  by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them. Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:
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