Can Mucinex help you get pregnant? How to use it for better fertility
- Updated
- Published
Created with Natallia Yermolovich, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Mucinex is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening mucus around the body. Whilst its primary target is the respiratory system, it also affects cervical mucus. Currently, there is only limited scientific evidence to back up claims that Mucinex increases fertility. However, for women who suffer from thick, hostile cervical mucus, taking Mucinex to thin it and allow more sperm to pass into the uterus could increase their chances of conceiving.
Note: Anyone who is considering starting Mucinex for fertility should check with their healthcare provider whether this medication is suitable for them and to develop a personalized fertility plan.
Have you heard of the drug Mucinex? If you’ve ever had a cough or cold, then chances are you’ve come across this over-the-counter medication. Officially used to help relieve the symptoms of chesty coughs and colds, it has recently hit headlines for its apparent ability to increase fertility.
If you’re interested in fertility or are trying to get pregnant, you may have come across claims from numerous women that taking Mucinex has helped them to get pregnant. The “Mucinex pregnancy trick” has recently been doing rounds on social media, with many women claiming that Mucinex helped them to conceive, even when they were struggling.
Read on to find out what the science says and whether there is any truth behind the claims.
What is Mucinex and how does it work?
Mucinex is an expectorant that contains the chemical compound guaifenesin. Medications containing guaifenesin are most commonly used to treat the symptoms of coughs and colds. Expectorants work by thinning and loosening mucus, making it easier for you to clear respiratory secretions when coughing.
Use of guaifenesin as a natural remedy dates back to the 1500s, when Native Americans extracted guaiac from trees and used it to treat various ailments. In the 1950s, it was accepted by the FDA, and in 1989, it was made available for over-the-counter purchase.
The primary function of Mucinex is to make it easier to cough up mucus from the respiratory tract during an illness. However, the respiratory tract is not the only part of the body where mucus is secreted. In fact, mucus lines most of the body’s surfaces, including the intestines, stomach, eyes, and urogenital tract. It is also found covering the cervix, where it plays an important role in preventing pathogens (viruses and bacteria) from entering the uterus as well as regulating the entry of sperm cells.
How can Mucinex help you get pregnant?
Mucinex reduces the viscosity (thickness) of mucus. Its primary aim is to thin the mucus in the respiratory tract; however, it has an effect on all mucus in the body, including the mucus coating your cervix.
So, what could this mean for Mucinex and fertility?
We know that throughout the menstrual cycle, the quantity and thickness of cervical mucus changes. The “fertile window” is the six days during the menstrual cycle when you’re considered fertile. It comprises the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Outside of the fertile window, cervical mucus is thick and sticky and works to prevent bacteria and viruses, as well as sperm, from entering the uterus.
The texture of your cervical mucus starts to change at the beginning of the fertile window. It becomes thinner and more watery, and sperm is now able to pass through it into the uterus. Studies have found that in some women, the cervical mucus remains thick and sticky even during the fertile window, making sperm unable to pass through it. This is estimated to account for 5-10% of infertility cases.
This is where the belief that Mucinex increases fertility comes in. For women whose cervical mucus during the fertile window remains too thick for sperm to traverse, there is a scientific possibility that thinning the mucus with a guaifenesin-containing medication will make it easier for sperm to cross the cervix and thus, could increase chances of conception.
What does the evidence say?
Whilst the internet is full of anecdotes claiming that the Mucinex pregnancy trick really works, very few scientific studies exist to back this up. Recent, good-quality studies looking into the effects Mucinex may have on fertility simply haven’t been conducted.
One study, undertaken in 1982, has directly evaluated the effect that guaifenesin has on fertility. This study looked at 40 couples who were having difficulty conceiving due to hostile cervical mucus. It examined sperm motility (movement) through the cervical mucus before and after the women took guaifenesin and found that 65% of women showed an improvement in the ability for sperm to move through the cervical mucus.
In the 10 patients whose only known cause of infertility was hostile mucus, eight became pregnant within 2.5 months. Even in couples who had multiple factors affecting their fertility, a significant number of them were pregnant within six months.
This study concluded that whilst more research was needed, guaifenesin may improve cervical mucus and fertility. It is important to note, however, that only 40 patients were included in the study. Important information like age and lifestyle factors that affect fertility were not discussed, and there was no control group.
To establish whether or not guaifenesin significantly boosts fertility and the chances of getting pregnant, larger, more rigorous studies need to be performed.
What do the experts say?
Fertility experts frequently prescribe guaifenesin “off label” for women undergoing fertility treatment with clomiphene (Clomid). In a significant proportion of women, the use of clomid is known to adversely affect cervical mucus, making it thicker and harder for sperm to penetrate. Medications such as Mucinex can help counteract this unwanted side effect and increase the chances of pregnancy.
There is currently no consensus amongst experts as to whether or not drugs like Mucinex can improve the chances of getting pregnant for the average woman. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it hurts fertility, and therefore, it is generally accepted that there is little harm in trying it for most. Still, it is advised that anyone considering starting Mucinex for fertility reasons should discuss it first with their healthcare provider.
How to use Mucinex to get pregnant
Mucinex has not been licensed for use to improve fertility; therefore, taking it to boost your chances of getting pregnant is considered an “off-label” use. When using a medication outside of its recommendations, it is important that you first discuss the risks and benefits for you with your healthcare provider.
When to take Mucinex to get pregnant?
There is no official advice about when and how to take Mucinex to increase chances of pregnancy.
In the study that looked at whether guaifenesin increases fertility, participants took guaifenesin from day five of their menstrual cycle until ovulation. Additionally, fertility experts prescribing guaifenesin to thin cervical mucus recommend starting Mucinex five days before ovulation and continuing until the day of ovulation, taking it for a total of six days.
However, please don’t attempt this on your own, as it can be harmful. Anyone considering using Mucinex for fertility should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if this medication is suitable for them and to develop a personalized fertility plan.
How long to take Mucinex to get pregnant?
If you’re considering starting Mucinex to help you get pregnant, then it is recommended that you first consult your healthcare provider. They will be able to give you personalized advice.
Safety and considerations
If you’re thinking about starting Mucinex to help you get pregnant, consult a healthcare provider first to see if this medication is suitable for you.
Whilst there have been no reported safety concerns around Mucinex and fertility, the normal side effect profile and contraindications remain.
Common side effects from Mucinex include headache, nausea, and vomiting. For a full list of side effects, refer to the medication information leaflet, and report any unusual problems or side effects when taking this medication to your healthcare provider.
You should not take Mucinex if:
- You have ever had an allergic reaction to any medication containing guaifenesin;
- You have a respiratory condition such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
- You’re already taking a cough or cold medication;
- You are already pregnant;
- You have kidney disease;
- You suffer from phenylketonuria.
Taking Mucinex during pregnancy
The safety of guaifenesin-containing products has not been tested in pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage or birth defects are not known; however, animal studies have shown a link between guaifenesin and fetal risk. The FDA has classed it as a category C risk in pregnancy, meaning risk cannot be ruled out. Pregnant women should not take Mucinex during pregnancy unless it has been discussed with their healthcare provider and the risks versus benefits.
Questions from the Femia community
Does Mucinex really help you get pregnant?
While there are several anecdotal reports of success, scientific evidence is currently limited. It can thin cervical mucus, and therefore, could theoretically help women who have hostile cervical mucus to conceive. If you’re considering starting Mucinex to help you get pregnant, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.
Can I take Mucinex every month to try to conceive?
Yes. However, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your situation.
Is there a specific type of Mucinex to use for fertility?
Yes, use the plain guaifenesin formula that has no added decongestants or other medications.
Can Mucinex improve male fertility?
There has been one reported case study in a male with low sperm count and poor motility where guaifenesin was found to increase both sperm count and sperm motility; however, it is unclear why this happened.
Mucinex is known to primarily affect cervical mucus in women, but men should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
Are there any risks to taking Mucinex while trying to conceive?
Generally, Mucinex is considered safe, but always consult your healthcare provider to be sure.
The bottom line
Mucinex contains the active ingredient guaifenesin, which thins and loosens mucus in the body. Whilst it is primarily used as an expectorant to relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds, it has gained attention for its proposed ability to increase fertility and help women get pregnant.
One small study found that in women with hostile cervical mucus, medications such as Mucinex did improve their chances of conception. However, larger studies are required before the link between guaifenesin and fertility can be adequately established.
Women who are looking to increase their chances of pregnancy should speak to their healthcare provider. A medical professional should be able to advise whether taking Mucinex is a suitable option and discuss a personalized plan to help improve their fertility and maximize chances of pregnancy.
References
- Albrecht, Helmut H., et al. ‘Role of Guaifenesin in the Management of Chronic Bronchitis and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections’. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, vol. 12, no. 1, Dec. 2017, p. 31. Springer Link, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40248-017-0113-4.
- Check, Jerome H., et al. ‘Improvement of Cervical Factor with Guaifenesin’. Fertility and Sterility, vol. 37, no. 5, May 1982, pp. 707–08. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(16)46287-4 .
- Clomiphene: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682704.html . Accessed 29 May 2024.
- ‘Cold & Flu Product Ingredients | Mucinex’. Mucinex USA, https://www.mucinex.com/pages/our-ingredients . Accessed 29 May 2024
- Curlin, Marija, and Danijel Bursac. ‘Cervical Mucus: From Biochemical Structure to Clinical Implications’. Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition), vol. 5, no. 2, Jan. 2013, pp. 507–15. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.2741/s386 .
- Drug Summary. https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary /. Accessed 29 May 2024.
- Guaifenesin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682494.html . Accessed 27 May 2024.
- McShane, Abigail, et al. ‘Mucus’. Current Biology : CB, vol. 31, no. 15, Aug. 2021, pp. R938–45. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub .2021.06.093.
- Poon, Wayne W., and John A. McCoshen. ‘Variances in Mucus Architecture as a Cause of Cervical Factor Infertility*’. Fertility and Sterility, vol. 44, no. 3, Sept. 1985, pp. 361–65. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(16)48861-8 .
- Randall, John M., and Allan Templeton. ‘Cervical Mucus Score and in Vitro Sperm Mucus Interaction in Spontaneous and Clomiphene Citrate Cycles’. Fertility and Sterility, vol. 56, no. 3, Sept. 1991, pp. 465–68. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(16)54541-5 .
- Silva, Roberto, et al. ‘Is Guaifenesin Safe during Pregnancy?’ The Journal of Family Practice , no. 56, Aug. 2007, p. 8.
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