Stricter recommendations on the use of paracetamol during fertility treatment and pregnancy

New studies suggests that paracetamol may negatively affect the cell divisions in the fertilized egg and thereby the development of the fetus. At the same time, studies indicate that paracetamol may have endocrine-disrupting effects on the sexual development of the fetus.

Therefore, based on the precautionary principle, we recommend that you use paracetamol (Panodil and Pamol) for the shortest duration possible during fertility treatment and pregnancy.

• During the stimulation period (before egg retrieval): Take as little paracetamol as possible. If you need pain relief, you may consider using NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen) as an alternative.
• After egg retrieval and until embryo transfer: You may take paracetamol after egg retrieval but stop no later than 2 days before the embryo transfer. From then on, we recommend avoiding both paracetamol and NSAIDs.
• During frozen embryo transfer treatment: You may take paracetamol until 2 days before the transfer of the thawed embryo. After that, we recommend avoiding both paracetamol and NSAIDs.
• During insemination treatment: Stop taking paracetamol no later than 2 days before the insemination.