Evening Primrose Oil For Fertility – Does it Help to Conceive, How to Take and Side Effects

What is Evening Primrose Oil?

Oenothera biennis, from which evening primrose oil or EPO is extracted, is a plant that is originally from the Americas but is now found all over the globe. Oil extracted from primrose seeds is gaining popularity for its purported health advantages, including a positive effect on a woman’s fertility. Omega-6 fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (70–74%) and gamma-linolenic acid (8–10%) are responsible for the beneficial effects of this oil.

Does EPO Help to Conceive?

Yes, EPO may help you conceive. This oil is a natural source of omega fatty acids that are otherwise found in sources such as fish oil and flax seeds.

EPO can help with conception by regularizing your hormone levels and your period cycles. It also helps reduce inflammation and improves your general uterine health. It helps tone your uterine muscles and helps prepare your body for pregnancy. This oil can also help you conceive by increasing cervical mucus production.

Keep in mind that pregnant women should stay away from using EPO as it can trigger uterine contractions which can result in a miscarriage.

When and How Much Evening Primrose Oil Should You Take?

Here is a basic guide for you on how much EPO you can take and how to take it.

• You can take around 1500 to 3000 mg of primrose oil every day.
• Start taking this oil at least two weeks before your menstruation and stop taking it a day before your expected ovulation.
• It might take anywhere between 30 to 60 days for you to be able to see any benefits. So be patient.

If you are taking medications, especially for high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or a mood or anxiety disorder, consult your doctor before starting EPO.  Have a consultation with your gynecologist or medications to avoid before starting evening primrose oil for fertility

Amazing Top 7 Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil For Fertility

The oil of the evening primrose has several advantages. We list some of them below.

1. Useful as a Hormone Regulator

Large quantities of beneficial chemicals may be found in the noble oil, including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, Gamma-Linolenic Acid, and a good proportion of Linoleic Acid. To synthesize and produce prostaglandins, all of these components are required. These factors are essential in regulating and maintaining all hormone secretions before and throughout pregnancy.

2. Helps Manage Uterine Cells

The uterine cells may benefit directly from the necessary acids included in this oil. This gives these cells a helping hand when contracting and relaxing the uterine muscles during smooth muscular movements.

3. Enhances Reproductive Health

High levels of omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids have been linked to an increase in fertility. These contribute to the overall improvement of the health of a variety of reproductive organs and cellular components. It’s an anti-inflammatory substance that helps the body’s reproductive organs feel better and recover faster.

4. Increase Cervical Mucus Levels

Essential fatty acids may help women’s bodies produce more cervical mucus. The key to its efficacy is the way it regulates the body’s reproductive hormones. This helps boost fertility naturally.

When necessary, gamma-linoleic acid switches to the prostaglandin hormone, which aids in boosting cervical mucus production. Furthermore, it works to promote fertility by extending the viability of sperm before and after ovulation.

5. Helps Manage Premenstrual Syndrome

The overproduction of prostaglandins in your body manifests symptoms, including breast pain, bloating, sadness, irritability, and bloating. The helpful oil does its job by regulating the production of the hormone prostaglandins. Regulating the timing of this hormone’s release can increase conception rates.

6. Acts as a Remedy For Alcohol Addiction

Being an alcoholic and hoping to conceive are not always mutually exclusive choices. If you get pregnant, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol may cause complications. It lowers your body’s natural supply of prostaglandins. Primrose oil increases levels of the hormone prostaglandins, which are the ultimate indicator of healthy fertility.

[Read : Alcohol During Pregnancy]

7. May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

When it comes to fertility, high blood pressure may cause miscarriage. High blood pressure problems can follow you for the rest of your life and may even cause a heart attack or a brain hemorrhage. The essential oil contributes to regulating excessive blood pressure, which helps maintain the standard range for your body’s metabolic activities.

How to Use EPO to Improve Fertility?

If you want to increase your fertility, try taking evening primrose oil.

Your will need

• EPO supplements or capsules
• Omega 3 fish oil supplements
• Water

Here are the steps to follow

• Starting day 1, take a pill containing between 1500 mg and 3000 mg of EPO supplement with a full glass of water. If you’re attempting to conceive, you need to take notice of the 13-day mark since that’s when ovulation normally occurs.
• The ovulation phase starts on day 14; therefore, you should stop using the supplement a day before since taking the supplement during ovulation can reduce the likelihood of successful implantation.
• From day ovulation, you should replace your regular source of omega-3 fatty acids with fish oil capsules.

It is important to remember that this is often used to induce labor in women. So be careful when taking this supplement.

Evening primrose oil drops may be a good alternative to capsule supplements or primrose oil tablets if you have trouble swallowing. Get your doctor’s opinion on the supplement’s dose and quality of components. It is also available in soaps and cosmetics.

[Read : Best Ovulation Period For Pregnancy]

Side Effects of Using Evening Primrose Oil For Fertility

The following are some of the potential risks associated with using EPO

• Headaches
• Discomfort in the Stomach
• Diarrhea
• May lower blood sugar levels which may result in hypoglycemia
• Can cause excessive bleeding in persons with blood disorders
• May result in blood thinning or low blood pressure
• Possible adverse reactions with antipsychotics, blood thinners, and other medicines
• Extreme doses might potentially trigger further allergic responses
• May result in premature births and early contractions if used during pregnancy

Before taking things into your own hands and beginning to use evening primrose oil for fertility, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a healthcare expert or your midwife first. Upon confirmation of your pregnancy, your midwife will advise you on how to proceed with the supplement. Keep in mind, too, that the outcome may turn out differently in different instances. If you take evening primrose oil during pregnancy, keeping close contact with your doctor is important.

FAQ’s

1. Can Primrose Oil Delay Your Period?

No, evening primrose oil does not delay periods. On the other hand, the omega-6  fatty acids present in EPO may regulate periods and improve fertility levels. 

2. Does Using Evening Primrose Oil Boost Male Fertility?

Yes, evening primrose oil has been related to a potential improvement in male fertility. This is because, due to its effects on circulation, it may alleviate some forms of erectile dysfunction. More research is required to offer substantial scientific proof for the advantages associated with evening primrose oil, much as there is for female fertility.

3. Does Using Primrose Oil Aid With Period Regulation?

Yes, oxidative stress and inflammation are reduced by glutathione which is present in evening primrose oil, this antioxidant may be useful in the treatment of irregular periods. This oil may help maintain a normal menstrual flow if you’ve been experiencing extremely mild menstrual bleeding, which might be an indication of low estrogen.

Read Also: Turmeric For Fertility – Does It Really Help?