Which Medications Can You Continue Before Egg Freezing — And Which May Need To Stop?

If you're considering egg freezing, one of the biggest questions you may have is whether your current medications could affect the process.

The reassuring news is that many medications can safely be continued during fertility preservation. However, some medications may need to be paused, adjusted, or reviewed with your fertility specialist before starting treatment.

At IVFbabble and Babble Connect, we know how overwhelming fertility treatment can feel — especially when you're balancing your reproductive health alongside other medical conditions or wellbeing needs. The most important thing to remember is this: never stop any prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor first.

Why Medication Reviews Matter Before Egg Freezing

During an egg freezing cycle, the ovaries are stimulated using hormone medications to encourage multiple eggs to mature at once. Because of this, your fertility team will usually review:

• Prescription medications
• Supplements
• Hormonal treatments
• Weight-loss injections
• Mental health medications
• Pain relief medications
• Herbal remedies
• Recreational substances and smoking habits

This helps ensure your treatment is as safe and effective as possible.

Medications That May Need To Be Stopped or Adjusted

NSAIDs and Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers

Some fertility specialists advise avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during stimulation, including:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Aspirin (in some cases)

These medications may interfere with ovulation or increase bleeding risk during egg retrieval procedures. Many clinics recommend alternatives such as paracetamol/acetaminophen instead — but always check with your doctor first.

GLP-1 Medications (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®)

GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide-based treatments, are increasingly common for weight management and diabetes care. However, many fertility clinics recommend temporarily stopping them before egg retrieval.

This is mainly because these medications can delay stomach emptying, which may increase risks during sedation or anaesthesia used during egg retrieval.

If you take GLP-1 medication:

• Speak with your fertility specialist early
• Never stop medication suddenly without guidance
• Ensure your endocrinologist or GP is involved in the decision-making process

This is especially important for individuals managing diabetes or PCOS.

Hormonal Birth Control

Some clinics may ask patients to stop:

• Birth control pills
• Patches
• Vaginal rings

before beginning stimulation, although protocols vary between clinics. Interestingly, some clinics may also temporarily prescribe hormonal contraception to help time treatment cycles more effectively.

Hormonal IUDs can often remain in place during egg freezing treatment, depending on your clinic's protocol.

Testosterone and Hormone Therapy

For transgender men or individuals taking testosterone as part of gender-affirming care, fertility specialists may recommend pausing testosterone before egg freezing begins.

This can understandably feel emotional and complex, which is why compassionate, specialist-led support is so important throughout the process.

Medications That Can Often Be Continued

Mental Health Medications

Many people worry they may need to stop antidepressants or anxiety medication before freezing their eggs. In reality, many psychiatric medications can often be safely continued.

Your fertility specialist and mental health team may simply work together to ensure your treatment plan is right for you.

Your emotional wellbeing matters just as much as your fertility treatment.

Steroids

People taking steroid medications for autoimmune conditions, asthma, or other medical needs can often continue treatment during egg freezing, although this depends on:

• The type of steroid
• Dosage
• Reason for use

Your clinic will usually coordinate with your healthcare provider to determine the safest approach.

Allergy Medications

In many cases, allergy medications and allergy shots do not interfere with egg freezing treatment, although your clinic should still be informed about everything you're taking.

Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants

If you take blood thinners such as:

• Warfarin
• Heparin
• Eliquis
• Rivaroxaban

your fertility doctor will usually create a carefully managed plan around egg retrieval to minimise bleeding risks.

This should always be coordinated with your prescribing doctor.

Supplements and Vitamins

Some supplements may support overall reproductive health, although not all supplements are suitable for everyone.

Common supplements people discuss with clinics include:

• CoQ10
• Vitamin D
• Prenatal vitamins
• Omega-3
• Folate

However, herbal supplements and unregulated products should always be disclosed to your clinic, as some may interfere with fertility medications or anaesthesia.

Lifestyle Factors Also Matter

Medication reviews are only one part of preparing for egg freezing. Clinics may also discuss:

• Smoking
• Alcohol intake
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Stress management
• BMI and metabolic health

Smoking, in particular, has been linked to reduced egg quality and lower response to fertility medications.

Questions To Ask Your Fertility Clinic

Before starting treatment, it may help to ask:

• Which medications should I stop?
• When should I stop them?
• Are there safer alternatives?
• Will my medications affect egg quality?
• Can I continue mental health medications?
• What supplements do you recommend?
• Will my medical condition affect treatment?

No question is too small when it comes to your fertility journey.

Final Thoughts

Every fertility journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to medications and egg freezing.

The most important thing you can do is be open with your fertility clinic about everything you take — including prescriptions, supplements, injections, and over-the-counter medications — so your care can be personalised safely and compassionately.

At IVFbabble and Babble Connect, we believe fertility care should support the whole person — medically, emotionally, and practically.

If you have any questions about this topic or anything else on IVFbabble, we're here to support and guide you—our team and leading global experts are here to help. You're not alone. 💛

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Sources: Freeze Health, Cofertility, Freeze Health — Medications guide, Extend Fertility.