Many of us have tried various things to get pregnant. And it seems there are always new trends that people swear made all the difference in the quest for a baby. Remember when Metformin, a medication used to treat diabetes, first emerged as a possible solution for women struggling with their fertility?
Now, a new and unexpected medication is being touted on social media as a must for people trying to conceive: Mucinex. Yes, the congestion aid with the commercials featuring the giant, green mucus man.
Indeed, many creators claim taking a dose of Mucinex throughout their fertile window helped them get pregnant -- even if they had trouble conceiving for months or years prior.
Countless creators on social media are sharing their stories about taking Mucinex while trying to conceive -- and getting pregnant that very month. One TikToker, who shares content using the handle @amanda_macgibbon, posted a viral video that takes followers through her Mucinex journey.
As the now mom-to-be explained, some people take Mucinex multiple times throughout the day during the week they're ovulating. She took a dose "30 minutes before baby dancing" each night they tried to conceive.
Another creator, who shares content on TikTok using the handle @ashandclayky, says in her video she employed a host of supplements to try to get pregnant, including a prenatal vitamin with DHA. In addition, she took Mucinex during her fertile window. For her, a dose every night, 15 minutes before intercourse, is what she swears led to a pregnancy after two cycles.
Importantly, like the first creator, this mom claims she carefully employed ovulation predictors to calculate her ovulation window.
It's all based on hearsay and there are no recent studies showing Mucinex can boost fertility, experts say. So, why are creators on TikTok convinced it can?
According to the Mucinex's website, its expectorant "clears the airways by thinning and loosening excess mucus in the air passages, making it easier to cough up the mucus."
"The theory is that guaifenesin -- the active ingredient in Mucinex -- will thin cervical mucus to improve the ability for sperm to pass through the cervix to reach the egg," Suzy Lipinski, MD,, board-certified OB-GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group, tells Parents.
But it's important to note that cervical mucus undergoes changes naturally around ovulation, according to Rachel McConnell, MD, of Columbia University Fertility Center. "It becomes wet and slippery," she says. "The consistency of this type of discharge helps sperm swim to an egg at the time of ovulation."
Despite the endless stories online about Mucinex babies, Dr. McConnell says, "Mucinex is not FDA approved for fertility treatment." She adds, "There are no recent studies for the use of Mucinex," and states any claims that it works to help a person get pregnant are only anecdotal.
Dr. Lipinksi agrees there are no high-quality studies to support the claims that Mucinex boosts fertility. And she explains, "In general, 85% of couples will get pregnant within a year of trying, and 90% will by two years...It's hard to prove what works because there is a chance of pregnancy every cycle."
Also, Reckitt, the makers of Mucinex, do not approve of people using it for fertility purposes.
In a statement to Parents, the company shares, "Reckitt is aware of recent social media activity surrounding Mucinex and fertility, and we understand why there is heightened interest in this topic. As a global leader in health and hygiene, it is important that we clarify that Mucinex should only be used as intended in line with label directions. Taking Mucinex for infertility constitutes off-label use."
The statement goes on to say, "Taking any medications outside their approved indications or without acknowledging all active ingredients may be harmful. In case of doubt, we recommend women have a discussion with their health care professional. Please always read the label and safety information before taking any self-care medication."
Keep in mind, side effects of guaifenesin may include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, hives, and nausea or vomiting, among others.
For your best chances of getting pregnant, Dr. McConnell says, "It is important to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and eat healthy."
She adds that tracking your cervical mucus starting when your period ends is also key. "After your period, the cervical mucus should have a cream-like appearance," she explains. "As the fertile window is entered, cervical mucus will increase and the consistency and color become similar to egg whites."
If you don't notice clear watery cervical mucus mid-cycle and you are trying to conceive, "this would be a good time to discuss findings with your fertility doctor," Dr. McConnell advises.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lipinski recommends that if you haven't gotten pregnant after a year of trying -- or after six months if you are over 35 -- it's time to seek evaluation.