Ibuprofen and infertility

[KiraJean]

Hi All,

I have not posted on here recently since I am trying to move flats, recover from a failed second cycle of ICSI and also just generally get through life as positively as I can. But just today I read that ibuprofen can affect women's fertility and I had a little panic.

So I started my period when I was 11 years old and when I was a teenager I had unbearable period pain. So I must admit each month I took ibuprofen. Not huge amounts, but enough to help with the pain. I don't take it a much these days, but sometimes I take it for a bad headache.

I am just so upset with the idea that maybe I damaged my fertility by taking a pain killer that I had no idea might be bad for my ovaries! The last time we saw the consultant (months ago now) she mentioned that a high protein diet helps egg quality and that recent studies show carbohydrates might lower egg quality. I spent the next week feeling really sad and guilty about the fact that I like potatoes, rice and bread! (and not much meat)

Basically my husband and I have unexplained infertility and so no one knows why we can't conceive, which means I could be doing something wrong all the time to affect my chances of having a baby.

Does anyone else have these sad feelings of guilt and doubt? It would be nice to know I am not alone in feeling this way.

[Nat246]

The many many different (and often conflicting!) pieces of advice received are a mine field!

Most importantly, don’t blame yourself. You have never intentionally don’t anything to detrimentally impact your fertility.

I don’t know if any of the above is true or not, but if you’re concerned don’t take painkillers and cut down on carbs. That is all you can do.

I know how you feel though, I feel guilty everyone I have a coffee, cake, don’t do exercise etc etc. A day doesn’t go by when you don’t think how will what I am doing right now impact my IVF! X

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Kirajean. The reason we steer you away from anti inflammatories, is that it can have an effect on baby's heart development, very early on in pregnancy. So I doubt you've harmed yourself, but keep away from them, in case you can get pregnant naturally. My pre-conception diet is as follows: Carbohydrates - Wholegrain bread and wholemeal pasta, oatmeal, brown rice. All fresh vegetables especially raw or steamed. Over boiling rids them of vitamins and minerals, pineapple juice, apricots, potatoes, all fruit and honey, beans, chickpeas and lentils. Protein - Organic meat if possible, poultry, fish, Milk and hard cheese, nuts and seeds. Fat - Extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil, avocado and peanut butter, mackerel, sardines, nuts (especially Brazil and walnuts), seeds, sweet corn and sweet potatoes. The things to avoid are too much sugar, processed foods, ready meals, butter, ice cream etc. A little is OK, but not all the time. Drink plenty of water and only a little tea and coffee if feeling deprived. Cut right down or right out – alcohol and smoking. Oh and don’t forget the Folic Acid and Vitamin D! Thinking of you. Diane