Fertility is something many people take for granted until the moment it starts to matter most. You might spend years believing that conception will happen naturally when the time feels right, only to face unexpected hurdles. Among the many factors that can quietly influence your journey to conceive, one often goes unnoticed, and that is the medications that affect fertility.

The idea that something meant to heal could also hold you back from starting a family can feel confusing and even unfair. But understanding how these medicines work can help you take control and make choices that bring you closer to your dream of parenthood!





1. Prescription Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatories

Stronger nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that doctors prescribe for long-term conditions like arthritis can sometimes upset ovulation. These medicines may lower substances in your body called prostaglandins, which help the egg move out of the ovary and into the fallopian tube. If that process slows down or the egg gets stuck, getting pregnant can be harder. But don't panic, this usually happens when such medicines are taken regularly over time, not from a single dose.



Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen in normal amounts usually don’t cause much trouble. Still, if you’re trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to keep them to a minimum. And once you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, doctors generally say it’s best to skip them altogether.





2. Medicines for Mental Health

Some tablets used for depression or serious mood problems can affect the brain signals that guide your ovaries. A few of them raise a hormone called prolactin, and when that happens, ovulation can stop for a while. This is seen more often with certain strong antipsychotic medicines used for serious mental health conditions.



On the other hand, the common antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors don’t seem to lower fertility much. But untreated stress, anxiety, or low mood can also affect fertility. So, it’s about finding the right balance. If you need these medicines for your mental health, your doctor can help adjust the type or dose.





3. Blood Pressure and Heart Medicines

Spironolactone, a diuretic for high blood pressure, heart failure, or fluid retention, can disrupt your menstrual cycle and cause temporary infertility. It affects hormone balance, often leading to irregular or missed periods.



Once you stop, things often settle back within a couple of months. Other blood pressure medicines don’t usually cause this directly, but if your pressure stays high, it can affect your egg quality and overall fertility. So, it’s really important to keep your blood pressure under control. And don’t stop or change your medicine on your own, always talk to your doctor first.





4. Thyroid Treatments

If you’re taking tablets for an overactive thyroid, getting the dose just right is really important. Taking too much or too little can raise prolactin, which can mess with your cycle and make ovulation irregular.



When your thyroid isn’t properly managed, it can affect fertility on its own too. So, staying on top of your treatment not only keeps you feeling well but also helps you move closer to your baby goals.





5. Epilepsy and Seizure Control Drugs

Some anti-seizure medicines can affect the pituitary gland, which is the part of your brain that controls important fertility hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). When this happens, ovulation might not be as regular or reliable as it should be.



If you’re taking these medicines for a long time, it helps to keep an eye on your cycle and note any changes.





6. Chemotherapy for Cancer

Chemotherapy drugs, especially a type called alkylating agents, are among the medications that affect fertility. It can affect the ovaries and lower both oestrogen and egg production. This can lead to temporary or sometimes permanent infertility, and in some cases, complete ovarian failure. The risk depends on the kind of drug used, the dose, your age, and how long the treatment lasts.



Younger people often have a better chance of recovery after treatment. But if you’re about to start chemo and want to have children in the future, it’s really important to talk about egg freezing before treatment begins. Some people do conceive naturally after chemo, but planning early gives you more options. And if you’re on methotrexate (a chemo medicine), doctors usually advise waiting around three months before trying for a baby as its effects can linger.





7. Skin Treatments with Hormones

Products with oestrogen or progesterone for skin conditions absorb and mimic your hormones. This can confuse ovulation signals. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s safer to go for hormone-free options instead.



8. Herbal and Natural Supplements

Herbal remedies may sound gentle, but many haven’t been properly tested for safety when you’re trying to conceive.

• Fertility supplements: Herbs like angelica, vitex, or black cohosh are often sold as fertility boosters, but they can overstimulate the ovaries and sometimes cause pain or clotting problems.
• Diosgenin from yams: Lowers progesterone, a hormone that’s key for pregnancy.
• Ashwagandha: This popular herb can interfere with thyroid medicines and make their side effects worse.
• Cannabidiol (CBD): These products are not considered safe in pregnancy.
• Chasteberry and red raspberry leaf: These should be avoided when you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.

Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, no matter how natural or harmless it sounds.



9. Corticosteroids and Steroids

High-dose corticosteroids or cortisone for inflammation or autoimmune problems can interfere with the brain signals that tell your body to release an egg.



Anabolic steroids, which some people misuse for muscle gain, come with their own risks but can also mess with ovulation hormones.





So, if you’ve been wondering why conception feels more challenging than expected, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s in your medicine cabinet. Some medications that affect fertility could be part of the reason.



You’re not alone in your journey when trying to conceive. Join our supportive community to connect with others, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.



FAQs on Common Medications That Might Be Affecting Your Fertility

Should I stop my regular medicines if I am trying to conceive?

No, you should not stop any prescribed medicines on your own. Always talk to your doctor, as stopping suddenly can sometimes do more harm than good.

Do birth control pills affect future fertility?

Birth control pills do not cause long-term fertility problems. Most people start ovulating again within one to three months after stopping them.