Does Viagra have any effect on a man's ability to father a child - either long term or short term use?This might seem an odd question, because your first instinct would be to say that Viagra would most certainly increase a man's likelihood of fathering a child - for obvious reasons. However, you have to look beyond the hydraulics here. Even though a man may be able to successfully complete an act of intercourse and ejaculation, it may not matter if his output is compromised.
Taking Viagra certainly doesn't mean a guy will start shooting blanks. However, there is some evidence that Viagra can damage sperm in a way that will make them less likely to be able to fertilize an egg.
Each sperm has a little cap, called the acrosome, that is composed of enzymes that help it break through the egg's outer wall and penetrate it to achieve fertilization. But exposure to Viagra can cause the acrosome to break down too early, leaving sperm stranded on the outside.
The damage to the sperm was evident after a single exposure to the equivalent of one 100mg tablet. Researchers also voiced concerns there could be long term cumulative effects, especially for younger men.
What's ironic is that some sperm banks have been giving donors Viagra to help them make their contributions. A prescription for higher production may in fact produce an inferior product.
On the other hand, there's evidence that women experiencing infertility may be helped by Viagra in some cases. Some women are unable to conceive is because they can't build up a robust enough uterine lining to support the zygote. By increasing blood flow "down there" Viagra can help thicken the lining, giving the developing embryo a better chance of being carried to term.
So, if you and your female partner are trying to conceive a child, consider giving her the Viagra instead.
