Is It Safe to Take Viagra While Trying to Conceive?

My husband sometimes takes Viagra. Is it safe for him to use it when TTC?

— Anonymous

Great question!

First note: In some cases, Viagra can be a treatment for infertility because it may make sex possible. The concern, though, is that it might affect sperm in a way that would make conception less likely.

Generally, the data on this is reassuring. A 2017 review article argues that use of drugs like this may modestly improve sperm mobility, without having an impact on count or volume. This review covered all of the drugs in this class (Viagra, Cialis, etc.). The number of individuals covered in these studies is not enormous — about 1,300 people across 19 studies — but the quality of data we have is very good.

For example, one paper includes only 17 men, but they are able to test in a very complete way. The study is randomized, double-blinded, and includes a crossover design. This means that each man is included for some period in the treatment (with the drug) and for some period in the control (without the drug). The men and the researchers evaluating their sperm do not know when they are on. The sample here is made up of healthy volunteers without baseline erectile dysfunction, so they are able to produce sperm samples in both conditions.

The information we can collect from sperm is very detailed. And with a design like this, researchers can compare the men to themselves, so they can really hold constant everything else. This makes it much easier to draw strong conclusions from a small sample.

And this study — like others — shows no impacts. In conclusion, it’s fine to continue to use these medications as you try to conceive.