Mefenamic Acid

[LunarMoon92]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post.
My partner and I have been TTC for almost 3 years. I have very bad period pains so was prescribed Mefenamic Acid by my gynecology consultant. It does stop the pain. But looking into it I see that some people say Mefenamic acid can affect infertility. Does anyone else have any information on this????

I’m afraid that’s correct. The patient information leaflet says

Fertility
DO NOT take the capsules if you are trying to become pregnant, as they may make it more difficult to get pregnant. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have problems becoming pregnant
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12890.pdf

www.familydoctor.co.uk/unassigned-articles/why-cant-we-conceive/
THE EFFECT OF MEDICATION
Various drugs can reduce your fertility. If you are taking medicines regularly, check with your GP, pharmacist or local fertility clinic before trying for a pregnancy. As a general rule, it is best to avoid all drugs that are not absolutely necessary while trying to conceive.
Drugs that can affect a man’s fertility include sulphasalazine, which is used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, and some blood pressure treatments, such as beta-blockers and captopril (which can also cause impotence). Anti-malarial drugs may reduce sperm counts, as can the excessive use of simple pain-killers such as aspirin. Drug abuse can also reduce male fertility, particularly anabolic (‘body-building’) steroids and marijuana.
Drugs that reduce a woman’s fertility usually do so by interfering with ovulation. Some affect a woman’s normal hormone levels by increasing the production of the hormone prolactin. Although prolactin is an important hormone for the production of breast milk after pregnancy, it stops a woman having periods if she produces it excessively at other times. Drugs that can cause excessive prolactin production include various tran­quillisers, sedatives and other treatments for minor psychiatric problems, as well as some anti-sickness drugs such as metoclo­pramide. A wide range of anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-arthritis drugs can reduce a woman’s fertility by blocking ovulation. Examples of these are indomethacin, naproxen, diclofenac and mefenamic acid . Even aspirin or paracetamol can cause problems if they are taken in high doses. As in men, drug abuse will also reduce a woman’s fertility, particularly marijuana, which can suppress the hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH).

Oh f**k...why would I get prescribed these if it does that when doctor knew we have been trying to conceive! Thank you. Imma bin them. Rather a day of pain each month than lowered fertility chances. Xx

I would be asking this person that same question.

If you have been ttc for 3 years without success there is likely to be a problem with either one or equally both of you contributing to the subfertility. What tests have been performed for both of you during the last six months only (any tests older than this should be discounted and you need up to date test results).

Has the gynae ever mentioned the word endometriosis to you?. This is a common cause of severe and or ongoing period pain and mefenamic acid tablets are sometimes prescribed to such women.

Partner is fine. I'm having surgery to look at my womb and all that. Been told I may have Adenomyosis