Does Naproxen (Aleve) Affect Fertility?

What does the evidence say about naproxen and Aleve before trying to conceive while trying to conceive?

1. Some studies suggest naproxen and other NSAIDs might make it harder to get pregnant, an effect that appears more likely with frequent or long-term use rather than occasional doses. 1
2. NSAIDs work partly by blocking an enzyme called COX-2, which the ovary needs to rupture a mature follicle and release an egg, and this can produce a temporary pattern called luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome. 2
3. In documented cases, ovulation returned to normal once NSAID use was stopped, supporting that the effect on egg release is reversible rather than a lasting fertility problem. 2
4. In a prospective study of women trying to conceive naturally, non-aspirin NSAID use, including naproxen and ibuprofen, at any point in the cycle wasn't associated with a meaningfully different chance of conceiving that cycle compared with women who didn't use one. 3
5. Research on NSAIDs and male fertility is concentrated on ibuprofen, which reduced sperm motility, count, and viability in available studies, while naproxen itself has little dedicated human research, so its effect on a male partner's fertility isn't established. 4

What to know about naproxen and Aleve before trying to conceive while trying to conceive

• Early on, an occasional dose of naproxen for a headache or muscle pain isn't a reason for concern about your ability to conceive.
• If you're tracking ovulation and timing intercourse around your fertile window, avoid regular naproxen use around that time, since NSAIDs can delay or block that cycle's egg release.
• If you've been trying for a while and a provider is monitoring your cycles or you're going through fertility care, mention any regular NSAID use, since it's something your fertility team will want to factor into cycle tracking.