11 Medicines That Can Cause Infertility | What to Avoid

When you’re trying to conceive, knowing which medicines cause infertility or drugs that cause infertility is essential. Some commonly prescribed drugs can impact female fertility by affecting ovulation, hormone levels, or the quality of eggs.

11 medicines that can cause infertility 

1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Infertility

NSAIDs are common drugs that relieve pain but may also act as drugs that cause infertility when used frequently. Prolonged use of NSAIDs can lead to hormonal disturbances, which may impact ovulation and fertility in women.

• What They’re For: NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly used for pain relief.

• Effect on Fertility: Frequent or long-term NSAID use can interfere with ovulation by affecting hormone release, making it harder for eggs to mature properly. Reducing or stopping NSAID use is often recommended if you’re trying to conceive.

2. Antidepressants and Infertility

Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are essential for managing mental health but can contribute to infertility by disrupting hormonal balance. Women wondering what drugs affect female fertility may need to discuss safer options with their healthcare provider.

• What They’re For: Often prescribed for mood disorders, antidepressants support mental health.
• Effect on Fertility: Some antidepressants can impact libido, hormone levels, and ovulation, which may affect fertility. If you’re taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor about options with minimal fertility impact.

3. Chemotherapy Drugs and Infertility

Chemotherapy drugs are essential for cancer treatment but are known to be harsh on reproductive health. These medicines cause infertility by potentially damaging eggs and impacting ovarian function, sometimes leading to sterility and infertility.

• What They’re For: Chemotherapy drugs play a critical role in treating cancer.

• Effect on Fertility: Chemotherapy can harm fertility, often by damaging eggs and affecting ovarian function. In cases where patients wish to preserve fertility, options like egg-freezing may be discussed by reproductive medicine and infertility associates.

4. Antipsychotic Medications and Infertility

Antipsychotic medications are prescribed for serious mental health conditions, but certain types may disrupt reproductive hormones. By raising prolactin levels, they can interfere with ovulation, contributing to infertility in some cases.

• What They’re For: Used to manage conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

• Effect on Fertility: Some antipsychotics increase prolactin levels, which can suppress ovulation, making it challenging to conceive. Regular monitoring with a healthcare provider can help balance treatment and fertility goals.

5. Thyroid Medicines and infertility

Imbalanced thyroid levels affect ovulation. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism treatments require careful monitoring to support reproductive health and avoid fertility disruptions.

• What They’re For: These medications manage thyroid disorders.
• Effect on Fertility: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism treatments can affect ovulation if not carefully balanced. Monitoring your thyroid levels is key to ensuring it doesn’t disrupt your fertility.

6. Hormonal Contraceptives and infertility

Hormonal contraceptives are primarily used to prevent pregnancy, but they can have lingering effects on fertility. For those curious about whether emergency pills cause infertility, most cases are temporary, with normal ovulation resuming a few months after stopping use.

• What They’re For: Hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, injections, and implants, are used for pregnancy prevention.
• Effect on Fertility: These drugs work by suppressing ovulation, a temporary effect that can take a few months to reverse after discontinuation. If you’re planning to conceive, consider the time needed for hormonal levels to stabilize post-contraception.

7. Steroids (Corticosteroids) and Infertility

Steroids, especially corticosteroids, are commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions. However, steroid use and infertility are connected, as high doses or long-term use can disrupt hormonal balance and interfere with fertility.

• What They’re For: Prescribed to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions and allergies.

• Effect on Fertility: Steroid use can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting ovulation and reproductive health. If you’re taking corticosteroids regularly, talk with your doctor about potential alternatives or safer dosing if trying to conceive.

8. Anti-Seizure Medicines and Infertility

Anti-seizure medications are essential for controlling epilepsy but may interfere with hormone levels, impacting ovulation and menstrual regularity. Those exploring options should ask their healthcare provider what drugs affect female fertility and whether alternatives are available.

• What They’re For: Used to control seizures in epilepsy and other conditions.

• Effect on Fertility: Certain anti-seizure drugs may disrupt hormonal balance, affecting ovulation and menstrual cycles. Consult your doctor about adjustments if you’re considering conception.

9. Immunosuppressants and Infertility

Immunosuppressants are crucial for managing autoimmune diseases, but they can affect ovarian function and fertility. For patients hoping to conceive, alternatives may be available that support both autoimmune management and reproductive health.

• What They’re For: Prescribed for autoimmune diseases or post-organ transplant care.

• Effect on Fertility: Some immunosuppressants impact ovarian function, making conception more challenging. Ask your healthcare provider about options with lower risks to fertility.

10. Methotrexate and Infertility

Methotrexate is widely used for autoimmune conditions and certain cancers, but its impact on fertility can be significant. This drug can affect egg quality and ovulation, which can contribute to long-term infertility.

• What They’re For: Used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers.

• Effect on Fertility: Methotrexate may affect egg quality and ovulation, potentially leading to sterility and infertility issues. For those planning to start a family, consulting a healthcare provider about safer alternatives is advised.

11. Antihypertensive Medications (Blood Pressure Medications) and Infertility

Blood pressure medications are essential for heart health but can sometimes interfere with fertility. Certain antihypertensive drugs affect blood flow to reproductive organs or disrupt hormone levels, impacting fertility.

• What They’re For: Used to manage high blood pressure.

• Effect on Fertility: Some antihypertensive drugs may interfere with blood flow to reproductive organs or disrupt hormonal levels, impacting fertility. Your doctor may suggest alternatives better suited for those aiming to conceive 

If you’re taking any of these medicines and trying to conceive, remember that safer alternatives are often available. Consult your healthcare provider to help you make informed choices that support your family-planning goals. Fertility Dost is here to help you! Talk to our Fertility Coach to discuss your questions and concerns.

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