Active ingredient: Naproxen Sodium

Brand Name: Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox

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

Mechanism of Action:

Naproxen sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, leading to decreased production of prostaglandins. It is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and treat conditions such as arthritis and menstrual cramps.

Effect on fertility biomarkers

Naproxen sodium can potentially negatively affect ovulation and cervical mucus production by lowering prostaglandin levels. Prostaglandins are crucial for ovulation and maintaining healthy cervical mucus, which facilitates sperm transport. As a result, the use of naproxen can make it more challenging to track fertile windows on fertility monitoring charts. While these effects on fertility are usually temporary and reversible upon discontinuation, caution is recommended when using naproxen sodium during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle.

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Ovulation

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.