Evening primrose oil is obtained from the seeds of the wildflower of the same name, and it is used as a fertility aid in alternative medicine. This herbal extract is rich in vitamin E and the omega-6 essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid and linolenic acid. These fatty acids help improve the quality of the cervical mucus for better reproductive health in women trying to become pregnant. Consult a doctor before taking evening primrose oil to treat a medical condition.
Evening Primrose Oil and Cervical Mucous
The high concentrations of specific essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil helps promote the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that play a key role in a number of body functions, including improving the quality of cervical mucous. The site Ovulation-Calculator.com notes that this contributes to improved fertility because this mucous is critical during ovulation to provide a favorable environment for entering sperm cells; it helps propel them towards the egg in the fallopian tube where fertilization takes place.
How to Take Evening Primrose Oil
The site BabyHopes.com warns that evening primrose oil can cause uterine contractions, which may hinder a successful pregnancy. For this reason supplements of this oil should only be taken from the time of menstruation, or day 1, of the cycle until ovulation, or day 14, of the cycle. Uterine contractions can interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg or zygote in the uterus. If evening primrose oil is taken for cervical mucus health, there is no reproductive benefit in taking it more than one day past ovulation as the egg will not survive longer than that.
Dosage for Improved Fertility
The recommended dosage of evening primrose oil ranges from 1500mg to 3000mg daily to improve cervical mucus. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises that during ovulation and after the luteal phase, evening primrose oil can be replaced with omega-3 fatty acid supplements for its overall health benefits.
Side Effects and Interactions
Evening primrose oil may not be well tolerated by some women, causing mild side effects such as headache pain and gastrointestinal upset. Women taking anti-seizure, anti-psychotic or blood-thinning medications should also avoid this natural supplement as it can cause harmful interactions with these drugs. Consult your doctor or fertility expert regarding using evening primrose oil supplements for improved reproductive health.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Evening Primrose Oil
- Human Psychopharmacology: A double-blind trial of evening primrose oil in the premenstrual syndrome
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Evening Primrose Oil
- Baby Hopes: Will Evening Primrose Oil Help Me Conceive?
- Ovulation-Calculator.com: How Evening Primrose Oil can Improve Cervical Mucus Fertility
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