Many couples find it difficult to conceive, especially if they have a fertility problem, which is becoming increasingly common these days. A couple desperate to conceive might be willing to try any treatment that gives them hope. One remedy that is thought to be helpful in increasing the likelihood of conception is cough syrup.
Taking a certain cough syrup around ovulation may help a woman get pregnant, says popular belief. Despite the fact that there is not sufficient scientific evidence to support this claim, a number of medical professionals are of the opinion that taking cough medicine that contains guaifenesin may assist women in achieving pregnancy.
In This Article
- What Is The Link Between Cough Syrup And Pregnancy?
- Is There Scientific Evidence To Prove The Connection Between Cough Syrup And Pregnancy?
- Can Any Cough Syrup Help Me Get Pregnant?
- When Should I Have Cough Syrup To Increase My Chances Of Getting Pregnant?
- What Other Ways Can Help Me Improve The Consistency And Texture Of Cervical Mucus?
- FAQs
What Is The Link Between Cough Syrup And Pregnancy?
Most cough syrups contain an ingredient called guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. When you have a cough, your airways will be clogged with hard mucus. An expectorant thins this mucus so that it is easy for you to “cough the mucus up” and “spit it out”. This is an ideal situation when you have a cough.
How does it help you in getting pregnant? Expectorants thin all kinds of mucus, including cervical mucus, working their way down there. There, that is the connection. A thin and wet cervical mucus will ensure that the sperms travel through the cervix faster, reaching the egg inside the uterus. If a woman has thicker, non-slippery, drier cervical mucus (also known as hostile cervical mucus), then, theoretically, cough syrup containing guaifenesin can help solve that problem.
Is There Scientific Evidence To Prove The Connection Between Cough Syrup And Pregnancy?
There was a dated study, conducted in 1982, that tested the effect of guaifenesin on women with a specific kind of challenge in getting pregnant. That study did show a link, however, the study was small, it was conducted on a specific sample group and it was done a long time back.
There has not been any scientific evidence ever since on the connection. However, many women swear that cough syrups helped them get pregnant – so there is multiple anecdotal evidence of the same. (Source)
Can Any Cough Syrup Help Me Get Pregnant?
No. You need to choose a cough syrup that has guaifenesin as the key ingredient. Many cough syrups contain antihistamines, which dry up mucus in the airways. These medicines can also dry up cervical mucus, which will be counter-productive for you.
That said, we want to remind you that it is not a good idea to take medication when there is no need to. It is advisable to talk to your doctor if you are having trouble getting pregnant.
When Should I Have Cough Syrup To Increase My Chances Of Getting Pregnant?
If you have decided to give cough syrup a try, then take it just before you are going to ovulate. If you are maintaining an ovulation chart and tracking your basal body temperature, it could be fairly easy for you to pinpoint when you ovulate. You ovulate during your mid-cycle, so generally 12-14 days from the start of your period. So you can take the cough syrup 7-9 days after your first day of the period. This may help your cervical mucus get thin, slippery, and wet, so that the sperm may travel easily up to fertilize an egg.
What Other Ways Can Help Me Improve The Consistency And Texture Of Cervical Mucus?
One of the most common problems associated with the dry cervix is that women end up using lubricants during intercourse. And most lubricants are known to kill sperms. This becomes a vicious cycle – you have a dry cervix, you need lubrication during sex; you use lubrication during sex, then the chemicals in the lubrication either kill the sperm or reduce its mobility. One way to get around this problem is to ask your doctor to prescribe an artificial lubricant that is specially designed for partners trying to conceive. They are sperm-friendly ones. Make sure you use only such lubricants.
We want to reiterate this – there is no medical or scientific evidence that suggests that cough syrup increases your chances of getting pregnant. In fact, it is best to avoid any kind of medicine when you and your partner are trying to conceive. If you are having trouble getting pregnant, then it is best to consult a doctor before trying the cough syrup technique because a dry cervix might not be your problem at all. All the best!
FAQs
How Much Cough Syrup Should I Take To Get Pregnant?
It is suggested that you take 2 teaspoons of cough syrup two to three times a day.
How Do I Know If My Cervical Mucus Is Dry Or Wet?
You would need a doctor to examine you. Usually, a post-coital test is performed where the doctor can see the quality and consistency of the cervical mucus produced by you.
