Can Mucinex Help You Get Pregnant?

Millions of people struggle with infertility. In fact, according to a 2023 World Health Organization report, one in six individuals will experieince infertility. This means one in six people have had (or will have) difficulty concieving. Of course, there are many methods to treat infertility—medications, exist as do surgical interventions—but some are turning to unconventional methods. In 2020, TikTok users began sharing a Mucinex pregnancy "hack," claiming the cough medicine could help you get pregnant. Unfortunately, no research confirms this, i.e. it does not appear Mucinex can increase your odds of conception.

So what's the deal with this claim—and why do some (still) swear by the Mucinex pregnancy hack? Here's everything you need to know about the science behind this claim.

What Is Mucinex?

Mucinex, the brand name for guaifenesin, is an over-the-counter expectorant. Taken orally, this medication helps suppress a person's cough while thinning mucus and helping clear phlegm from the upper respiratory system. It can alleviate chest heaviness and/or congestion, and make it easier to clear the head, nose, lungs, and throat.

Why People Think Mucinex Can Help Them Get Pregnant

When TikTok creator @juliasendojourney, whose real name is Julia Schuller, revealed Mucinex helped her conceive, many of her followers took note.

"I've been tracking my fertile signs because I have endometriosis and PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome]," Schuller said. After taking Mucinex-D she noticed that she was more fertile. "After I started taking the Mucinex-D, my fertile signs went way up," she explained, adding, "I was like, 'What's going on?'"

But while Schuller noticed a change, you shouldn't get your hopes up too much. Marie Facadio Antero, M.D., fertility specialist at Conceptions Florida, says there's no evidence that Mucinex helps you conceive.

"While data has shown a slight improvement in chances of conception comes from a case report and small studies conducted 40 years ago, there is no evidence from large randomized clinical trials showing that Mucinex can help people conceive," says Dr. Antero.

"Mucinex is an expectorant that works by thinning the mucus that lines your lungs and throat and, in theory, it should help thin the cervical mucus to allow improved sperm transport to the upper female reproductive tract," Dr. Antero adds. "However, whether Mucinex contributes to thinning cervical mucus still needs to be shown."

And it's important to remember that the ability of sperm to penetrate cervical mucus is only one part of the equation for fertility. Improving one thing does not necessarily equate to improving your overall fertility.

Are There Any Risks to Taking Mucinex?

While Mucinex is generally conisered "safe," it—like all medications—does come with inherrant risk. Some possible side effects include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomitting

You should also consult a doctor or health care provider if you develop any allergic reaction symptoms, like difficulty breathing.

Is Mucinex Safe to Take During Pregnancy?

If you're considering trying the Mucinex pregnancy hack, it might be worth asking if taking Mucinex during pregnancy is even safe. After all, it is improbable that a person would know the exact moment they conceive. There is a two-week wait period between ovulation and when a pregnancy test can detect the pregnancy hormone hCG with accuracy.

Mucinex (guaifenesin) is generally safe for its intended use as an expectorant; however, it may not be safe for all trimesters of pregnancy. In a large study that looked at the effects of over-the-counter cough medications on pregnancy, researchers found a link between guaifenesin (among other cough medicines) and birth defects.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has given guaifenesin a risk category C for pregnancy, which means that there is a real risk of harm to a fetus. For this reason, if you are considering taking Mucinex during pregnancy, you can and should consult a doctor, OB-GYN, or other health care provider.

Mucinex Aside, How Can You Increase Your Fertility?

While Mucinex may not work, there are some tried and true ways you can increase your fertility—and improve your odds of getting pregnant.

Eat well

Make sure to include enough protein, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D in your diet. Deficiencies in these nutrients have been linked to lengthened menstrual cycles—and less frequent ovulation.

Mantain a healthy weight

Being significantly underweight or overweight can cause cycle irregularities, which can make it difficult to conceive. Visit your health care provider if you are worried your weight may be impacting your fertility.

Avoid hazardous chemicals

Did you know certain industrial chemicals can disrupt your menstrual cycle? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), radiation, nitrous oxide, and jet fuel—amongst others—can decrease fertility. If you have a job working with hazardous chemicals and you are trying to conceive, be sure to use protective gear.

Avoid cigarettes and alcohol

The dangers of smoking are well-documented and well-known. For example, smoking causes cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and lung diseases, just to name a few. It can also damage a person's eggs, interfere with the fertilization process, and cause the ovaries to age prematurely. Alcohol, on the other hand, alters estrogen levels, which may interfere with implantation. Stop smoking if you are trying to conceive, and limit alcohol consumption.

Use an ovulation tracker

It's also important to know your cycle. Not sure where to begin? Over-the-counter ovulation trackers can (and do) help you check your hormone levels, allowing you to maximize your chance of conception and improve pregnancy rates.