Does Sildenafil Citrate Help Chances of Pregnancy?

Sildenafil citrate is a prescription drug primarily known for its successful use in treating erectile dysfunction, and more recently, for successfully treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sildenafil has already demonstrated usefulness for women who are pregnant in treating hypertension, preterm labor and pre-eclampsia. It may also help you become pregnant.

  1. Endometrial Insufficiency

    • The endometrium is the lining of the uterus into which the fertilized egg implants. A study by Sher and Fisch published in Fertility and Sterility (May 2003, 79(5):1256-7) looked at women who had failed IVF attempts because of poor endometrial development. Women were divided into two groups, with one group receiving sildenafil vaginal suppositories. Seventy percent of the women who received the sildenafil had improved endometrial development. Rates of implantation and ongoing pregnancy were also higher in the group who received sildenafil. If you have previously failed at IVF because of endometrial insufficiency, then sildenafil suppositories may help you become pregnant.

    Recurrent Miscarriage

    • Women experience recurrent miscarriage for a variety of factors, including endometrial insufficiency and their body's immune system attacking the fetus. In 2008, Malgorzata Jerzak et al. published a study comparing women who had experienced recurrent miscarriage and women who had previously had successful pregnancies (Fertil. Steril. Nov. 2008, 90(5): 1848-1853). In the study they found that women who used sildenafil vaginal suppositories had increased endometrial thickness and lower levels of NK-cells, or killer immune cells. This could indicate that women who have had recurrent miscarriages may have successful pregnancies with the use of sildenafil.

    Placental Insufficiency and IUGR

    • The placenta is the unborn baby's lifeline; through the placenta and umbilical cord the baby receives its oxygen and nutrition, and waste products are removed. If the placenta is insufficient, the baby can die in utero, or experience a condition known as intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR. Researchers Wareing et al. found sildenafil was able to positively influence placental myometrial arteries. If you have pregnancy problems because of placental insufficiency or are experiencing IUGR, then sildenafil may improve your chances.

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