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Viagra Linked to Reduced Fertility

New concern for fertility clinics that provide drug to male partners

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 24, 2008 6:32 AM CST

(Newser) – Popular sexual potency drug Viagra has been linked to sperm effects so dramatic that it could seriously affect male fertility, researchers have discovered. The findings are particularly troubling because in-vitro fertilization clinics often provide Viagra to men to increase sperm production. The new studies show that while Viagra increases sperm activity, it also damages the enzymes that allow the sperm to enter and fertilize an egg.

Fertilization clinics providing Viagra—"something that could make the problem worse—is scarcely the right approach," said the lead researcher of the studies, to be published in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Viagra is also a recreational drug, and chronic use could spell family trouble down the road, he warned.

A needle carrying one sperm cell punctures an egg.
A needle carrying one sperm cell punctures an egg.   (KRT Photos)
This undated file photo shows Viagra pills made by Pfizer...
This undated file photo shows Viagra pills made by Pfizer...   (Getty Images (by Event))
Discarded Viagra package.  Viagra may damage sperm cells.
Discarded Viagra package. Viagra may damage sperm cells.   ((c) Adam_d_)
This is a microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm.
This is a microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm.   (KRT Photos)
An in vitro fertilization clinic.
An in vitro fertilization clinic.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
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