The contribution of sildenafil (Viagra) to ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins in a woman with poor ovarian response

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2014 Jul;30(7):478-80. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2014.900034. Epub 2014 Mar 11.

Abstract

We aim to present the first case of a pregnancy achieved by administering sildenafil (Viagra) to a woman not responding to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with the sole use of gonadotropins. A 37-year-old woman underwent COH, as part of an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle, with the combination of r-FSH and HMG for 13 d, without evidence of follicular growth. The addition of oral sildenafil at a dose of 50 mg per day for a total of five doses improved the ovarian response and resulted in the retrieval of 10 oocytes. Three embryos were transferred to the uterine cavity resulting in a successful pregnancy and, eventually, the delivery of a healthy neonate. Conclusively, the use of sildenafil as an adjunct to COH protocols may enhance ovarian response in a woman with poor ovarian response (POR) and merits further research.

Keywords: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation; poor ovarian response; sildenafil.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Ovarian Follicle / drug effects*
  • Ovulation Induction / methods*
  • Piperazines / administration & dosage*
  • Pregnancy
  • Purines / administration & dosage
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic / methods
  • Sulfonamides / administration & dosage*
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfonamides
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Sildenafil Citrate