MTX & Fertility | Arthritis Information

Hello guys,

I haven't been on for a few days and was reading something in another post about mtx and fertility. My Rhuemy mentioned to me a few years back when I was first started taking mtx, that before trying to have a baby, you've got wait 3 years and be on a medication that frees the body of mtx? I didn't hear anything about mtx's effect on fertility though? Am I missing some information or have I been completely clueless? Obviously these medications would have some effect....Does continual usage lead to infertility?!

I'm unsure of the fertility/mtx issue. I know that mtx is highly toxic to a fetus though. i do also know people who have gotten preggers within a month or two of stopping MTX. Interestingly, according to rxlist and the overdose/contraindications section on MTX it recommends only waiting a minimum of 3 months for males and one ovulatory cycle for females before getting pregnant.
"> http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/mtx_od.htm
If you also go to the precautions page on the same place it lists that it is noted to cause impairment of fertility, oligospermia and menstrual dysfunction during and for a short period after cessation of therapy.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/mtx_wcp.htm

hugs, wayney

wayney38483.5948263889

Jalebi;

I'm 34 and currently going through menopause...they hesitate to blame it totally on MTX; but have siad that could have caused it.

I'd warn anyone still considering a family to be aware. No one ever warned me that this could happen.

I'm a big MTX fan...I've had really good results but lucky for me I've had all the children I intend to have.

Definately do more research. All I've really heard about it is that you should stop 3 months before trying to have a baby...or was it 3 years? I thought 3 months.

Sorry to hear that Lovie.

So, I guess what you're suggesting Lovie is that people on mtx should plan on having a family sooner?

Has anyone else also experienced effects such as the ones Lovie has?

Jalebi38483.5829513889The links didn't seem to work for me, wayney...i think i fixed them. if not, you could copy and paste them

Wow! It's so scary reading the fatal drug side effects when you're actually taking the drug. I was obviously told about them when I first started it, and when I started to see improvement, I tried not to look into it too much. I guess the effects they mention are the rare severe cases. There are just so many effects with mtx and it makes you sometimes wonder if you should even be on it. It's a good thing though that you've got get a blood test regularly when on mtx...but then again, you never truely can be sure about what's going on in your body.

When you choose to have a family is certainly a personal choice for you and your husband to decide. You need to make sure it's the right time for you and your husband financially; but in my opinion; Yes.

This disease is unpredictable. It's also hard to deal with being a mother when this disease is active and I imagine that having a child before it progresses much more would be in anyones best interest.

I'm certainly no expert on this topic....but as you can see I certainly have an opinion. I'm very interested to see if anyone else is having the problem with early menopause that I am. I haven't heard of any here so I might just be a rare case...and it might not have anything to do with my RA or Medication; but my OBGYN thinks it more than likely was. I don't mean to scare anyone....I just want to bring the issue to light.

I just wanted to apologise if i scared people by what i said in the other thread about mtx, it is obviously my personal opinion not wanting to take it yet, although today is one of the days when i seriously consider it!

But like lovie says i think its better that you're aware as soon as possible or before!!