How Aspirin and other Lifestyle Mods Can Optimize Fertility

Some recent studies are showing that certain over the counter medications may increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant. Some women will even go as far as to take Aspirin on their own without seeing a doctor simply because they’re heard it can help you get pregnant. Always consult with your doctor before taking medication and ask plenty of questions while you’re at it!

At the most recent conference for research on conception and reproductive medicine scientists and fertility experts discussed the benefit of aspirin after miscarriage to increase chances of conception and having a baby. Aspirin is a salicylate drug and an anti-inflammatory drug that many people take over the counter for various reasons, typically for pain or fever, or as a anti-platelet medication to help with heart health and circulation, and is thought to increase survival rate of certain cancers, and has been thought to help in women with a history of miscarriages.

The study looked at women with inflammation and a history of miscarriages, and suggested that these women may have improved outcomes (about 20% increase over non aspirin-takers) with a small dosage of aspirin (about 80 mg per day). The aspirin at this dosage may help the embryos by providing a healthier environment.

What else can you do to increase chances of pregnancy and having a healthy baby? Quit smoking, make sure you are at a healthy weight/BMI, cut out all caffeine, stop drinking and reduces your sugar intake. If you have time, add in a weekly yoga class and a weekly acupuncture treatment – all of these things together will optimize your fertility and create a healthier (and happier!) you, leading to a healthier child. Make sure your male partner is also taking care of his body so that he has the healthiest sperm, optimizing your chances even more.

Of course more research needs to be done and aspirin may have side effects in many women, so it is still something that needs to be researched more. Be sure and tell your OB/GYN or RE (reproductive endocrinologist) about everything you are taking, even if it seems minor – all of this can effect your chances of conception.