Active ingredient: ibuprofen

Brand Name: Advil, Motrin, IBU, Motrin IB

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

Mechanism of Action:

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which reduces the production of prostaglandins. This action helps alleviate pain, inflammation, and fever, making ibuprofen commonly used for conditions like headaches, menstrual pain, and arthritis.

Effect on fertility biomarkers

Ibuprofen can potentially impair ovulation and reduce cervical mucus secretion by decreasing prostaglandin levels, which are important for both processes. This may hinder tracking fertile windows on fertility monitoring charts, as a decrease in cervical mucus can affect sperm transport. While the impact on fertility is generally temporary and reversible after discontinuation, caution is advised when using ibuprofen during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle.

First 
Second
Third

Ovulation

References:

McInerney KA, Hatch EE, Wesselink AK, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Wise LA. Preconception use of pain-relievers and time-to-pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Hum Reprod. 2017 Jan;32(1):103-111. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dew272. Epub 2016 Nov 5. PMID: 27816920; PMCID: PMC5165076. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5165076/ 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.