Can Viagra cause infertility?

Viagra refers to a medication used to treat certain problems related to sexual health. It belongs to a class of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Many men and women have concerns regarding whether these medications are affecting fertility.

The simple answer is no. There is currently no evidence that Viagra causes infertility .Therefore, it is important to understand how these medications work. Your health professional will often guide you when prescribing drugs on how they impact sexual health—rather than believing myths about infertility and drugs.

Effects of drugs on reproductive health

Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, a medicine that works by increasing blood flow to certain parts of the body. It is commonly prescribed to men suffering from erectile dysfunction(ED). This medication was originally developed to treat cardiovascular diseases. Although it is widely used to treat ED in men it is also used in different dosages and brand names to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Researchers have also investigated its potential role in female sexual dysfunction and some fertility-related treatments. However, it is not routinely approved for treating female infertility or low sexual desire.

Viagra helps men achieve erections during intercourse— as in some cases, treating erectile dysfunction may improve a couple’s chances of conception by making sexual intercourse easier. However, it does not help to treat infertility in men as it has no effect on sperm count or testosterone levels. Therefore it is not commonly used as a male infertility treatment in cases of low sperm count or poor sperm quality  and deranged hormonal profile causing infertility in men.

Prevention of infertility caused by lifestyle 

While Viagra is not known to cause infertility— certain lifestyle factors can result in infertility. 

Here are some ways to improve fertility with lifestyle changes:

• Regular exercise
• Healthy eating habits (avoiding junk food)
• Maintaining a normal BMI
• Reducing stress levels
• Decreasing alcohol consumptions
• Proper hydration
• Getting adequate sleep at night

Fertility concerns related to medication

Many patients have concerns while starting a new medication. Your healthcare professional will guide you through pros and cons of the medications and also explain why you need specific medications. However, if you still have concerns regarding any medication you can also ask your doctor to clarify all your doubts. When prescribing medications like Viagra for erectile dysfunctions, it is important to understand that it does not cause any change in your sperm quality. It simply improves your sexual performance which may help your partner to conceive. If the couple is having difficulty conceiving it is important to visit a fertility specialist to rule out your cause of infertility and prescribe a treatment plan or a procedure. Access to a fertility specialist ensures evidence-based care, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment plans is essential, particularly for individuals seeking female infertility treatment

At Njinsky IVF & Fertility Clinic, our doctors ensure that every patient clearly understands their treatment plan. If Viagra is prescribed, our doctors take the time to explain why the medication has been prescribed, how it is intended to help, and how it should be used. Furthermore, our healthcare professionals are also available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have, helping you feel informed and comfortable throughout your treatment.