Ibuprofen in early pregnancy linked with fertility issues

By Julie Griffiths on 09 February 2018 Fertility

New research suggests that taking ibuprofen in the first three months of pregnancy may affect the child’s future fertility.

Researchers found that exposure to the painkiller resulted in a ‘dramatic loss’ of the germ cells that go into making the follicles that female eggs develop from. They revealed that the cells either died or failed to grow.

The study used ovarian tissue cultures exposed to ibuprofen for to two, four and seven days. ‘Significant’ effects were realised after seven days’ exposure and even after two days, cell death could be seen.

The researchers say it is the first study to look at the effects of ibuprofen on the ovarian tissue of baby girls and the first to show that the drug can cross the placental barrier during the first trimester of pregnancy.

While limitations of the study are recognised by the authors, they state that their results deserve to be considered in light of present recommendations about ibuprofen consumption in pregnancy. 

To read about the study in more depth, click here.