• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Men's Fertility

Study Shows Popular Erectile Dysfunction Drug May Lower Male Fertility

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Men, if you knew Viagra® could have negative impacts on your fertility, would you still consider using it? According to a 2007 study men who take Viagra® may be lowering their fertility. The conclusion of the study published in the journal Fertility & Sterility, was that taking sildenafil citrate, well known under the name Viagra®, may significantly increase sperm motility but negatively affect sperm acrosome reaction.

The purpose of this study was to determine the side effects of sildenafil citrate on sperm function given this drugs’ popular marketing for erectile dysfunction in reproductive-age men with fertility health issues leading to erectile dysfunction. These fertility health issues range from psychological issues, diabetes, hormone imbalances, low libido, being overweight, to abnormalities of the genitalia (physical or genetic).

Study Particulars:

Fifty-seven males, ranging in age from 26 to 42 years old, undergoing examinations for infertility at the Andrology Laboratory, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, due to sperm health concerns, participated in the study by giving semen samples.

Semen analysis showed that participants already had reduced sperm motility upon entering the study. Sperm samples were divided into two groups – the first having the best fertilization potential and the second showing poorer potential in terms of being able to fertilize an egg – sperm motility was analyzed in a laboratory setting after exposure to sildenafil citrate for up to 180 minutes.

Study Results:

The speed and number of sperm able to successfully swim forward was significantly increased after being exposed to Viagra® for between 15 and 135 minutes in both groups of sperm samples. However, in both groups, Viagra® also caused a significant increase in the number of acrosome-reacted sperm – 22.1% in the first group and 16.6% in the second group.

What is the acrosome and acrosome reaction?

The acrosome is a specialized layer of cells surrounding the outer layer of the sperm head that contain enzymes necessary for sperm to penetrate a woman’s ova (egg). During the acrosomal reaction, the contents of the acrosome is released and pushed from the sperm head. The enzymes then assist the sperm in fusing to and penetrating the egg. If sperm are prematurely acrosome reacted, as was shown in this study, they become unable to fertilize the egg.

Additional Findings:

Researchers also cite several studies conducted to evaluate the effects of drugs with similar actions as Viagra®, like pentoxifylline or Trental.

These studies conclude…

  • Sperm treated with these drugs are affected by them well after sperm are washed free of the drugs, implicating irreversible effects.
  • This class of drugs inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are instrumental at lower levels in a variety of the body’s normal cellular function and survival mechanisms. At low concentrations, ROS are necessary for normal sperm function and embryo development before and after implantation. “Cell numbers of blastocysts and development of the early embryo are both significantly reduced after exposure to pentoxifylline… also observed [was] embryonic arrest and retarded development…” Should implantation occur, miscarriage is very likely to result.

Researchers concerns:

Of great concern to the study’s authors is the prescription of Viagra® to men, visiting U.K. Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority’s licensed assisted conception units, finding it difficult to produce sperm samples on demand and in timed cycles of treatment.

“In a case report of Viagra use for human-assisted reproduction the investigators noted that there was no fertilization of the oocytes despite the intracytoplasmic injection of the sperm (34). They attributed the failed fertilization to the delay in obtaining the semen sample and the resultant advanced age of the oocytes. However, it is possible that Viagra had a deleterious effect on sperm function and it was the reason for the fertilization failure. When Viagra is given to patients by oral administration there is no opportunity to remove either the sperm or the embryos from its potentially persistent and damaging effects.”

As of 2007, more than 1 billion doses of Viagra® have been prescribed to more than 23 million men worldwide, including men of reproductive age, as a sexual enhancer and for erectile dysfunction.


Comments:

If you are a male experiencing fertility health issues leading to infertility, especially erectile dysfunction, and are offered Viagra® by your healthcare provider, consider talking to him/her about this study.

No matter how well or quickly an erection is obtained, how long it is maintained, or how quickly sperm can swim to fertilize an egg, if the biological process that allows a sperm to adhere to and penetrate an egg happens before the sperm meets the egg, fertilization will not be able to occur. Why take a drug that has been proven to cause this to happen? Not to mention a drug that may have lasting effects.

Erectile dysfunction and low libido may be a sign of psycho-emotional dysfunction, physical dysfunction or sometimes hormone imbalance. These conditions can also be a result of hypertension, chronic use of medications, or drug addiction. It is most beneficial to overall health, including fertility health, to address the underlying cause of any fertility health issues experienced.

Poor diet and lifestyle choices are the most common reasons for poor sperm health. Thankfully guys, you CAN make healthy diet and lifestyle choices to support erectile function, a healthy libido, hormone balance, and sperm health.

Take time to read through these great resources to help you make informed, healthy choices…
The Male Fertility Diet
Male Fertility Cleanse
Increasing Low Sperm Count and Improving Male Fertility…
Yohimbe Shown to Improve Impotence & Libido in Men
Fo-ti: Herb for Fertility Longevity

References

  • 4.4 The sperm cells meet the oocyte – the acrosome reaction. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.embryology.ch/anglais/dbefruchtung/akrosom02.html
  • Glenn, D., Mcvicar, C., Mcclure, N., & Lewis, S. (2007). Sildenafil citrate improves sperm motility but causes a premature acrosome reaction in vitro. Fertility and Sterility, 87(5), 1064-1070. Retrieved from: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(06)04387-1/fulltext
  • Smythies, J. (1999). The neurotoxicity of glutamate, dopamine, iron and reactive oxygen species: Functional interrelationships in health and disease: A review — discussion. Neurotoxicity Research, 1(1), 27-39. doi:10.1007/bf03033337 Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03033337
  • Rodriguez, H. (n.d.). Increasing Low Sperm Count and Improving Male Fertility…. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/mens-fertility

« Previous Post
The Top 10 Natural Fertility Articles of 2014
Next Post »
Success Story: Susan’s Trying Journey to Achieve a Second Pregnancy

About the Author

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 24

Open
Two things are clear about phthalates and your fertility health: One, they are everywhere, and two, they are controversial! Particularly controversial is the link between phthalates and fibroids.
​
​Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in many everyday modern products. They’re found in floor and wall coverings, certain detergents, plastic food packaging, pharmaceuticals, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairspray, perfumes, and fragrant health products. Phthalates are even found in many of the plastic water bottles you might be drinking out of every day.
​
​If you are as concerned about these chemicals in our everyday lives as I am, see our Ditch & Switch Guide so you can start getting those chemicals out of your home. You can find it by clicking on our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 21

Open
How would you feel if in your twenties you were told you would never be able to have children because you were going through early menopause? Probably devastated. This is exactly what happened to Aleta. Fortunately for Aleta and her husband, advances in reproductive technology and a little old fashioned natural pregnancy preparation helped them achieve a goal they weren’t sure would ever be possible. This is Aleta’s story…

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 17

Open
Q: How long before an IVF should the Fertility Cleanse be done?
​
​Swipe through to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 14

Open
I am here talking my booty off day in and out to make sure you know that you are not alone.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 10

Open
Many women want to boost their fertility health but aren’t sure where to start.

If this is you, don’t you worry; I am going to make this as easy as possible for you and save you tons of time in trying to figure it all out.

This post is packed with resources for anyone who is just getting started with (or wanting to revive) their fertility journey.

Keep reading to learn about the three most important areas to focus on for healthy fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 8

Open
Latoya used the information from our website and the help of Vitex to become pregnant. Click through the slides to read more about her experience...
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
1w

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 6

Open
Q: My hair has been falling out lately. Is there anything natural I can do? Where should I start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 1

Open
The most important step to your success is the next 5 minutes of every moment.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 30

Open
Let's give a little extra love to our thyroids; shall we? Here are some foods you can add to your diet that help to nourish the thyroid... 
​
​Which are your favorites?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 26

Open
After 2 miscarriages, Felicia implemented certain products and therapies to increase her chances of a healthy pregnancy. She shares her story here... 
​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 23

Open
Q: Does having PMS mean hormonal imbalance?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us