Getting pregnant is challenging for many couples. Especially when they have a fertility problem , which has become a very common problem these days. Couples who don’t want to wait at all to get pregnant want to try any method that can make the woman pregnant. One such remedy is cough syrup. A certain type of cough syrup is believed to help a woman conceive if consumed around the time of ovulation . Although there is no such medical and scientific document available, which confirms that a woman can get pregnant by consuming cough syrup, but some doctors believe that consuming cough syrup containing guaifenesin helps a woman conceive.
Does cough syrup increase female fertility?
Yes, taking cough syrup can help a woman get pregnant, but there are only a few examples of this. Some cough syrups, which contain guaifenesin, are made from the bark of the Caribbean guaiacum tree. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. This means that by drinking it, the thin layer of phlegm present in the lungs and airways can be brought up and it can be taken out of the body in case of respiratory infection or cough.
Guaifenesin affects the cervical mucus in women, as well as moistening and thinning it. So that the sperm can easily reach the egg through the cervical mucus and get fertilized. In this way, consuming cough syrup containing guaifenesin helps in increasing the fertility of the woman by diluting the cervical mucus.
How to know if your cervical mucus is dry or wet?
To know whether your cervical mucus is dry or wet, you will need to get a post-coital fertility test done. After having sex with your partner, the doctor will test the cervical mucus in your sample. Thick and dry mucus makes it difficult for the sperm to swim and fertilize the egg, whereas when the mucus is thin and wet, the sperm swims faster and reaches the egg to fertilize it.
If you are having trouble conceiving and your cervical mucus is thick and dry according to your doctor, then taking cough syrup with guaifenesin can help you get pregnant. Guaifenesin thins and moistens cervical mucus, making it easier for sperm to reach the egg faster.
When to take cough syrup when you are trying to get pregnant
If you’re trying to get pregnant and want to thin your cervical mucus, start taking cough syrups containing guaifenesin around the time of your ovulation . You can track your basal body temperature and use ovulation test kits available at the pharmacy to know your exact ovulation time. Once you know when you ovulate, you can increase your fertility by taking cough syrups around that time.
Are there other ways to improve the texture of cervical mucus?
Although the use of cough syrup is a popular way to get pregnant, there is no proper and accurate scientific study available to prove it completely. There are other ways to change the consistency of cervical mucus so that sperm can reach and fertilize the egg through the birth canal. Doctors recommend the use of lubricants to couples who are trying to conceive. These lubricants neither kill sperm nor reduce their motility, but they can increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.
There is no sufficient scientific basis to prove that guaifenesin cough syrup can actually increase your chances of getting pregnant. It is only anecdotal evidence that consuming cough syrups can increase a woman’s chances of conceiving. In such a situation it is better to avoid it.
If you must take a cough syrup, make sure it doesn’t contain an antihistamine, which can dry out your cervical mucus and make it harder for you to get pregnant. It is better to consult your doctor about other safe alternatives. You should also avoid taking cough syrup without consulting your doctor. If you have been unsuccessful in trying to conceive for more than 10 months, first consult an obstetrician.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We urge the readers to consult a doctor before trying any of the remedies mentioned in the article.
