Active ingredient: Diclofenac

Brand Name: Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia, Zorvolex

Drug class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Mechanism of Action:

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, reducing the production of prostaglandins. This decreases inflammation, pain, and fever. Diclofenac is commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, migraines, and post-surgical pain.

Effect on fertility biomarkers

Diclofenac may delay or inhibit ovulation by reducing prostaglandin production, which is crucial for follicle rupture. It can also decrease cervical mucus secretion around ovulation. Since prostaglandins are important for both ovulation and cervical mucus production, the use of diclofenac may impair female fertility by making it harder to track fertile windows and reducing mucus that aids sperm transport. This medication is not recommended for women during the first half of the menstrual cycle due to its potential effects on ovulation and cervical mucus. While diclofenac can cause temporary infertility, this condition is usually reversible, with fertility typically resuming after discontinuation of the drug.

First 
Second
Third

Ovulation, Mucus

References:

Bindu S, Mazumder S and Bandyopadhyay U (2020). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and organ damage: A current perspective. Biochem Pharmacol. 180: 1-21. DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114147. Epub 2020 Jul 10. PMID: 32653589; PMCID: PMC7347500. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32653589/ Brown J, Crawford TJ, Allen C, Hopewell S, Prentice A (2017). Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for pain in women with endometriosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004753. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004753.pub4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6464974/ Edelman AB, Jensen JT, Doom C, Hennebold JD (2013). Impact of the Prostaglandin Synthase-2 Inhibitor Celecoxib on Ovulation And Luteal Events In Women. Contraception. 87(3):352-7. DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.07.004. Epub 2012 Aug 16. PMID: 22902348; PMCID: PMC4040982 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4040982/ European League Against Rheumatism (2015). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit ovulation after just 10 days. ScienceDaily. Available ay: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150611082124.htm Ghlichloo I and Gerriets V (2023). Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/ Mendonça LL, Khamashta MA, Nelson-Piercy C, Hunt BJ and Hughes GR (2000). Non‐Steroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs as A Possible Cause for Reversible Infertility. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2000; 39(8): 880–882 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10952743/ Osafo N, Agyare C, Obiri DD and Antwi AO (2017). Mechanism of Action of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. IntechOpen DOI: 10.5772/68090 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319243374_Mechanism_of_Action_of_Nonsteroidal_Anti-Inflammatory_Drugs Vane JR and Botting RM (1998). Mechanism of action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Am J Med. 104(3A):2S-8S; discussion 21S-22S. DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(97)00203-9. PMID: 9572314. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9572314/

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not include all possible interactions or side effects of medication. The effects on fertility biomarkers can vary and may depend on the dosage, how long the medication is used, the medical condition, or other factors. This database is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified health professional if you have questions about medications, fertility, or medical conditions.