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Dr. Sher is not the only fertility specialist to note the special effects of Viagra. Dr. Alan Beer, well known for his work in reproductive immunology, has also used the drug to correct for deficient bloodflow to the uterus and endometrium. Dr. Beer believes that the positive uterine lining effect is achieved "due to dilatation of the hypogastric and uterine arteries," promoting increased flow.
Poor implantation and early miscarriage are relatively common occurrences in pregnancies conceived through IVF and some other forms of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Recurrent miscarriage, regardless of conception circumstances, is considered a fertility issue. Since Viagra may ameliorate cases where the uterine lining is dysfunctional, women who previously were unable to carry a pregnancy to term may be given the opportunity to do so. The question of insurance coverage for the pricey drug has not yet been addressed.
Because Viagra is known to be toxic to developing embryos, its use must be discontinued immediately prior to conception, timing that would be best controlled with the close monitoring of a fertility specialist. So while the projected result of taking Viagra is a pregnancy-receptive uterus (a result that many women with infertility cannot achieve sans drug), insurance companies may still look at its use as a matter of infertility treatment rather than miscarriage prevention.
Regarding side effects, which were highlighted early on by the deaths of several male patients with cardiovascular disease, Dr. Beer states simply that known side effects are the same for women as for men. Sher's 2000 study was the first of several to follow by him and other researchers on Viagra's impact for fertility treatment use.
As an aside, do the women using Viagra for uterine lining problems also have the added benefit of better sex? Not often enough to look forward to it, say researchers. In brief, men and women mostly experience sexual dysfunction because of different mechanisms, and the increased bloodflow attributed to sildenafil citrate simply doesn't do it for the typical female's pleasure needs.
© Tracy Morris