Adjuvant sildenafil therapy in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adjuvant sildenafil on ovarian responsiveness in low responders undergoing IVF. Patient(s) and methods: Prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Tanta university hospital and Center of Assisted Reproduction, Om El-kora Hospital, Tanta, Egypt. Sixty patients were classified as low responders undergoing IVF. Supplementation with sildenafil (50 mg daily) or placebo to a gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist protocol was provided. Result(s): There were no significant differences in total number of 75 IU FSH ampoules used (60.025 ± 5.52) versus (66.025 ± 4.51), the number of mature follicles recruited (3.35 ± 1.137) versus (2.95 ± .826), and the number of oocytes retrieved (3.95 ± 1.395) versus (3.65 ± 1.137) or cycle cancelation rates (26.7% in the treatment group versus 23.3% in placebo group). Conclusion: Adjuvant sildenafil does not enhance ovarian responsiveness in cases of previous low ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.