Q: Could vaginal Viagra boost my chances of a successful IVF cycle?
A:
Some fertility specialists are exploring the use of vaginal Viagra to enhance uterine function, but there’s a fair amount of skepticism surrounding its effectiveness for fertility patients. One of the main factors we keep an eye on during fertility treatments is the development of the endometrial lining, particularly its thickness and pattern. Ideally, we aim for a lining thickness of at least 7mm that exhibits a trilaminar (three-layer) pattern by the time of HCG administration. However, some patients struggle to achieve this despite various hormonal treatments.
For these individuals, and even for many without uterine lining issues, we often suggest taking a daily baby aspirin (81 mg) starting with gonadotropin stimulation. The rationale behind this is that baby aspirin can improve blood flow to the uterine lining via micro-vascular vasodilation and reduced blood platelet aggregation. Interestingly, studies indicate that baby aspirin can enhance pregnancy rates for patients with endometrial linings measuring less than 8mm. It’s also crucial to stick to baby aspirin and not switch to full-dose aspirin.
Some practitioners have proposed that vaginal Viagra, which also acts as a vasodilator, might similarly improve pregnancy rates. However, it’s important to note that Viagra operates through a different mechanism than aspirin, and while there are claims of its efficacy, robust studies have yet to validate this. For now, caution is advised when using Viagra.
If you’re curious about the timing of your pregnancy, check out our post on your baby’s estimated due date, which can be found here. Also, for those on a shared journey, Make a Mom has some great insights and resources. And if you’re looking for a thorough understanding of the IVF process, this article from Parents is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination here.
In summary, while vaginal Viagra is being looked at as a potential tool for improving IVF outcomes, its effectiveness remains uncertain. Baby aspirin has more established benefits, particularly for certain patients, but it’s always best to consult with your fertility specialist before making any changes to your treatment plan.