*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Pregnancy Breastfeeding And Fertility While Taking Naproxen

NHS medicines information on naproxen and whether you can take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Naproxen and pregnancy

Naproxen is not usually recommended in pregnancy. This is because it may affect your baby, in particular causing problems with their circulation and amniotic fluid levels.

Your doctor will only advise you to take naproxen while you're pregnant if the benefits of taking the medicine clearly outweigh the risks.

There may be other treatments that are safer for you. Paracetamol is generally the best painkiller to take during pregnancy.

Naproxen and breastfeeding

Naproxen is not usually recommended while you are breastfeeding. Other anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, are safer. But if other painkillers are not suitable, your doctor may tell you to take naproxen.

It is better to only take naproxen for a short time if possible.

Naproxen passes into breast milk in small amounts and is unlikely to harm your baby. But there have been 1 or 2 reports of side effects in babies after having naproxen through breast milk. These have included some effects on the babies' blood, drowsiness and being sick.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems drowsy, or has an upset stomach, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Naproxen and fertility

Taking anti-inflammatory medicines, like naproxen, in large doses or for a long time can affect ovulation, so it may make it more difficult to get pregnant.

Do not take naproxen if you're trying to get pregnant or you're having tests for infertility. Paracetamol is a better painkiller.

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking naproxen reduces fertility in men.

Find out how taking naproxen can affect you and your baby on the Best Use of Medicine in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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