By Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Many different cultures have gods, goddesses and symbolic figures to help promote fertility for a couple. Besides Greek mythology, there are at least 33 different cultures that have some form of good luck for a couple when trying to have children. Even my Pennsylvania Dutch background has a barn (hex) sign for fertility. Despite these thoughtful good luck charms, the reality is that infertility is more prevalent than many may realize. This is a topic that many individuals are really not comfortable in sharing or talking about, which can include miscarriages and loss of pregnancy.  It can be hard to find support when many are afraid to disclose the issue.   

The end of April and beginning of May is National Infertility Awareness Week this year. Trying to improve communication about infertility is important. Even as health professionals, it may be a topic that is only discussed at one point in our studies unless you specialize in gynecologic therapies. 

Infertility is more common than one would think. The CDC reports that 19% of women in the United States suffer from fertility issues, while about 10% of men report infertility. Globally, 48.5 million couples suffer from infertility. A United States survey of couples reported that 48% did not understand the definition of infertility so it shows the potential of underreporting fertility issues. So, what is the definition of infertility that is used by the medical community? For those under the age of 35 years, infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. Since fertility declines with age, infertility in those over the age of 35 years is defined as the inability to get pregnant after 6 months of trying.   

Historically, women have been blamed for centuries as the root cause of infertility. Women often report being shamed or developing depression or anxiety because of infertility. Recent studies indicate that this feeling is not unique to women and men also have similar feelings.  It can be difficult for couples to talk about it with family and friends.  Society may not know the right things to say to help them with infertility. Some statements can be hurtful and only enhance the problem. It is a stigma that silences the questions and inhibits the flow of information.  

We know so much more about fertility and have excellent information to share. Specialists in reproductive endocrinology offer medical care to improve fertility issues. Pharmacies sell various testing kits and supplies that can be used to predict ovulation to help couples, as well as pregnancy testing kits.  Ask your pharmacist about the best products and how to use them correctly.  

Many lifestyle factors and drugs, including supplements, can affect fertility.  For both men and women, being overweight, older in age, alcohol use, and nicotine containing products can reduce fertility.  Studies show that a 5 to 7% loss in body weight can improve fertility.  Medications such as common pain relievers including ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce fertility for women. For women, talk to your pharmacist or primary care provider if you take medication for seizures, thyroid conditions, arthritis, or skin conditions that could alter fertility.  For men, medications for depression, hypertension, fungal infections, or autoimmune diseases can alter sperm and affect fertility.  For men, marijuana has been shown to decrease fertility and reduce the chances for contraception.  Men’s fertility can be compromised by high temperature exposure with hot tubs or saunas.  There is some truth to the boxer versus brief debate that shows tighter fitting briefs can reduce fertility.  

Another common myth is that women on birth control pills may reduce long-term fertility and are less likely to get pregnant once they stop the pills. This was disproved by a 2013 Danish study that showed women ages 18-40 years were just as likely to get pregnant once they stopped birth control pills as their female counterparts who did not take oral contraceptives. Many within the study were able to get pregnant immediately after stopping the pills, while others only had a slight delay of 1-2 months.  One reason why this myth continues has more to do with women who have fertility issues prior to oral contraception use, but were unaware of the condition. 

Ask your pharmacist about testing kits as well as medications that can alter fertility. Don’t wait! It is important to talk about this issue and seek help from healthcare professionals.  Feel free to call the ONU HealthWise Pharmacy for advice on issues and medications that might interfere with fertility.

ONU HealthWise is offering COVID-19 including boosters Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Call the pharmacy for an appointment for other time slots. The ONU HealthWise pharmacy offers Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. Call the pharmacy to get more information. 

ONU HealthWise Pharmacy
419-772-3784
www.onuhealthwisepharmacy.com