Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid that supports the production of cervical mucus. Fertile-quality cervical mucus — the stretchy, egg-white consistency that appears around ovulation — is essential for sperm to survive and travel through the cervix to reach the egg. Evening primrose oil is traditionally used to improve cervical mucus quality and consistency in women with scanty or poor-quality mucus.

Women with scanty, thick, or absent fertile cervical mucus around ovulation.

1,500–3,000 mg daily from the first day of menstruation until ovulation only (stop at ovulation — switch to flaxseed oil in the luteal phase). Do not take after ovulation.

Most women notice cervical mucus changes within 1–2 cycles.

Generally well tolerated. Mild digestive discomfort in some. Potential blood-thinning effect at high doses.

STOP taking at ovulation — evening primrose oil may cause uterine contractions if continued into the luteal phase or pregnancy. Do not use if trying to conceive via IVF.