Q: Is taking Motrin (Ibuprofen) OK when trying to conceive (TTC)?

A: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Brand names include Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, Medipren, and others. They act by inhibiting prostaglandin. NSAIDs may play a role in at least one type of female infertility. Prostaglandin inhibition appears to increase the incidence of luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS), a condition in which normal ovarian follicular development is followed by an elevation of serum progesterone compatible with ovulation, but the cycle remains anovulatory because the follicular wall remains unruptured. Rat and rabbit studies have reported ovulation inhibition in association with the prostaglandin inhibitor, indomethacin.