Many women want to know whether they could take Robitussin to improve their fertility and help them get pregnant. They believe that because fertile cervical mucus is needed for sperms to enter the uterus and eventually to fertilize the egg, Robitussin may help to improve problems with cervical mucus and thus make it easier for sperms to enter the uterus.

However cervical mucus problems are rarely the problem when couples have difficulty getting pregnant. Less than 5% of all infertility problems may be due to "cervical issues".

The three major causes of infertility are:

  1. ovulation problems 
  2. sperm problems
  3. problems with the fallopian tubes

None of these problems can be solved by taking Robitussin.

The major ingredient in plain Robitussin is guaifenesin. Some claim that it thins the cervical mucus and helps sperm penetrate the cervix. But there are no reliable studies that show that it improves fertility. And there are no reliable studies proving the safety of guaifenesin in pregnancy.

Because guaifenesin has a reputed effect on fluids secreted in the respiratory tract, one research group investigated whether the administration of this drug could alter the characteristics of cervical mucus and improve sperm survival and fertility. This brief report suggested that guaifenesin improved fertility in 80% of the cases in which the cause of infertility was believed to be primarily the cervical mucus.

Taking guaifenesin will not improve his sperm count. Nor will it open up fallopian tubes that are closed. And it won't induce ovulation in a woman who does not ovulate. When you have difficulty getting pregnant, your first visit should be with a specialist to find out the causes of your infertility.