Fertility Risks Medications: What Drugs Can Affect Your Ability to Conceive

When you’re trying to get pregnant, you might not think about your meds—but fertility risks medications, drugs that can interfere with reproductive function in men or women. Also known as drug-induced infertility, these aren’t rare outliers—they’re everyday prescriptions and over-the-counter picks that quietly lower sperm count, disrupt ovulation, or throw off hormone balance. It’s not just about birth control. Even meds for depression, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases can quietly impact fertility. And if you’re not asking your doctor about this, you’re flying blind.

Take antidepressants, commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety. Also known as SSRIs, they’re linked to lower sperm motility in men and irregular cycles in women. Or consider blood pressure medications, like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors. While they save lives, some types reduce libido or make it harder to achieve or maintain an erection. Even NSAIDs, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,> can delay ovulation if taken regularly around your fertile window. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re documented in real-world studies and reported through systems like the FDA’s FAERS.

It’s not just about stopping meds. Sometimes, it’s about timing, dosage, or switching to a safer alternative. A man on long-term statins for cholesterol might see improved sperm counts after switching to a different class. A woman with rheumatoid arthritis on methotrexate needs to stop months before trying to conceive—not just because it’s risky, but because it lingers in the body. And yes, even common OTC sleep aids and antihistamines can mess with hormone signals. The key isn’t fear—it’s awareness. You deserve to know what’s in your system and how it might be working against your goals.

Below, you’ll find real, practical breakdowns of how medications affect reproductive health—backed by data, not guesswork. From how antibiotics can throw off your cycle to why certain painkillers delay ovulation, these posts give you the facts you need to talk smarter with your doctor. No fluff. No scare tactics. Just clear info so you can make choices that protect your health and your future.