Infertility & Medications To Avoid

The use of antidepressants during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of miscarriage, birth defects, preterm birth, newborn behavioral syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and possible longer term neurobehavioral effects. On the basis of the literature reviews, there is no evidence of improved pregnancy outcomes with antidepressant use. There is some indication that psychotherapy, including cognitive–behavioral therapy as well as physical exercise, is associated with significant decreases in depressive symptoms in the general population.

Be aware that infertility patients may underreport their use of antidepressant medication: in a recent study, 11.1% of the patients self-reported on the patient portal that they were currently taking antidepressant medication. However, only 3% reported antidepressant use to the anesthesiologist prior to their oocyte retrieval.