Taking Cough Syrup to Get Pregnant – Does it Really Help?

Trying to conceive can be challenging for many couples, especially if they have some fertility issue, which is a common problem these days. A couple who can’t wait to get pregnant may be willing to try any remedy out there that can give them hope that they can conceive. One such remedy that is believed to work is cough syrup. Cough syrup and getting pregnant may seem like an unusual connection, but some believe that certain cough syrups containing guaifenesin can help improve cervical mucus, making it easier for sperm to reach the egg and increase the chances of conception. But does this method really work? Keep reading to find out the truth behind using cough syrup for getting pregnant.

Does Cough Syrup Increase a Woman’s Fertility?

Yes, taking cough syrup can help a woman get pregnant but only in certain instances. Some cough syrups contain guaifenesin which comes from the bark of the guaiacum tree found in the Caribbean. Guaifenesin is an ‘expectorant’. This means that it thins out the mucus in the lungs and airways so that we may bring up the phlegm and spit it out when we have a respiratory infection or a cough (1).

Guaifenesin also affects cervical mucus in women and makes it thinner and wetter (2). This enables sperms to swim faster through the cervical mucus to reach the egg and fertilise it. Thus, taking a cough syrup containing guaifenesin may help increase the fertility of women by thinning the cervical mucus.

How to Know if Your Cervical Mucus Is Dry or Wet?

In order to determine whether your cervical mucus is dry or wet, you will need to undergo post-coital fertility tests. A doctor will examine samples of your cervical mucus after you have had sexual intercourse with your partner. Thick or dry cervical mucus makes it tougher for sperm to swim through and reach the egg for fertilisation. But when the cervical mucus is thin and wet, sperm can swim quickly through it and successfully fertilise the egg (3).

If you are having a problem trying to conceive and your doctor has found that your cervical mucus is thick and dry, taking guaifenesin cough syrup can help you get pregnant. The guaifenesin thins out cervical mucus, making it easy for sperms to get through it and reach the egg faster.

When to Take Cough Syrup While You’re Trying to Get Pregnant?

Cough syrup with guaifenesin should be taken around the time of ovulation if you are trying to get pregnant and want your cervical mucus to be thinner. By monitoring your basal body temperature and using an ovulation test kit available in pharmacies, you can determine the exact time of ovulation (4). Once you know when you are ovulating, you can take the cough syrup around that time to help increase your fertility.

Are There Any Other Ways to Improve the Consistency and Texture of Cervical Mucus?

Although using cough syrup for conceiving has gained popularity, there is no proper scientific study that proves this definitively. There are other ways to alter the consistency of cervical mucus to make it easier for sperm to get through the birth canal and reach the egg for fertilisation. Your doctor can recommend lubricants specifically made for couples who are trying to conceive. These lubricants will not kill the sperm or reduce their motility and may increase your chances of getting pregnant.

There’s not enough scientific research to prove that guaifenesin cough syrup can actually increase one’s chances of getting pregnant. There is only anecdotal proof that cough syrup can help couples get pregnant. So it is best avoided.

FAQs

1. How much cough syrup should be taken?

There is no standard dosage for fertility purposes, but some sources recommend taking two teaspoons two to three times a day during the fertile window. It’s important to check with a doctor before using any medication for an unintended purpose.

2. Can I take cough syrup while undergoing fertility treatments?

If you’re undergoing fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking any medication, including cough syrup. While guaifenesin is generally considered safe, it may not be necessary or beneficial, depending on your treatment plan.

If you do want to take cough syrup, ensure that it does not contain antihistamines, which can dry the cervical mucus and make it tougher for you to conceive. Better yet, consult a doctor about other, safer options. Avoid taking cough syrup without consulting your doctor. Talk to an obstetrician first if you have been trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for over 10 months.

Disclaimer: The information given in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We urge readers to seek the advice of a physician before trying any remedy mentioned in the article.

References/Resources:

1. National Library of Medicine – Guaifenesin

2. Ohio Pharmacists Association – Guaifenesin in Fertility

3. Cleveland Clinic – Cervical Mucus

4. Cleveland Clinic – Ovulation

Also Read:

How to Conceive Baby Fast & Easily?
How to Get Pregnant by Keeping Pillow Under Hips
How Many Times to Have Sex in a Day to Get Pregnant?
Key Things to Keep in Mind While Thinking About to Have Baby
Best Time of the Day to Get Pregnant – Morning, Afternoon or Night?

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