one of the world’s top fertility doctors said taking an aspirin a day can help you get pregnant. Millions already use the wonder drug regularly to slash their risk of cancer, heart attacks and strokes.Now research suggests it can help women start a family – by increasing womb thickness, reducing inflammation in cells and boosting blood flow. Dr.Richard Paulson, vice president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, suggested all women trying to get pregnant should take a low-dose pill once a day to improve their chances. He said: “Aspirin is the drug of the millennium. There is no harm in women wanting to get pregnant taking aspirin.” The expert explained: “It increases blood flow to the pelvis and it increases endometrial thickness.”
He spoke ahead of revealing the findings today at a presentation to the society’s annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. The study also found conclusive evidence for the first time that aspirin can help women who have previously been through a miscarriage get pregnant again and successfully give birth. US researchers studied 1,200 American women aged 18 to 40 with a history of pregnancy loss to determine the effect of taking a 81mg aspirin daily. Some were given a daily dose while others took a similar looking dummy pill.The study followed the women for up to six menstrual cycles as they tried to conceive, and if they became pregnant, it continued to monitor them.University of Utah experts found those who took aspirin were 17% more likely to get pregnant than those who did not, and 20% more likely to give birth.
Dr Paulson, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, said: “This study adds to a body of literature about aspirin and pregnancy.”
He said that while the research had concentrated on women with a history of miscarriage, he would now recommend all women trying for a baby take one low-dose aspirin every day. He also revealed how “for many years” he has already been advising his patients to take a daily 81mg “baby” aspirin during treatment. The equivalent low-dose aspirin in the UK is the 75mg pill.
Dr Paulson added: “Many people use it routinely, including in our clinics. We have been doing this for many years.” However, other experts remained less convinced and stressed the drug can cause dangerous side effects. British expert Prof Charles Kingsland said the idea of taking aspirin to boost chances of conceiving was “good in theory”, but there was not yet enough evidence to back it up.
And Coventry-based Dr Richard Kennedy, president-elect of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, also insisted there was “insufficient evidence” to recommend women take the drug to boost their pregnancy chances.Dr Stuart Lavery, of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at London’s Hammersmith Hospital, said there was “good” underlying science which explained the link between reducing inflammation and fertility. But he warned: “Are we ready to recommend aspirin for everybody? I think we would need to be a little cautious.”
The NHS said it was important to remember the drug can cause side effects such as ulcers and bleeding from the stomach. Anyone considering taking it daily is urged to consult their GP.
Experts also said women can boost their chances of getting pregnant by giving up smoking, taking regular exercise and having a healthy diet.Aspirin was first used as a painkiller. Its anti-inflammatory action was discovered later and low-doses were recommended for people with cardiovascular disease to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
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