Aspirin May Boost Numbers of Eggs Retrieved

egirl · 12-26-2005, 10:02 PM

I found this article (see below) when I was searching for APAs, but in it I found a nice paragraph on how aspirin usage may effectively boost egg retrieval numbers. I apologize for the size of this, but sometimes links disappear and this is rather important information. I hope that this helps someone.
In November, I did a baby aspirin each day after an IUI. It was a BFN. But my following antral count the end of November was 16. We didn't do a cycle that month and I ceased the aspirin.
In December (few days ago) my antral follicle count was only 10.The higher count the previous month might have been due to the aspirin. From 16 to 10 is a huge variation, and supposedly antral follicle numbers aren't supposed to vary that much. Also curious is that my number, 16, matches to that which was found in the study.

Cheers,
Linda
=======================================
http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/le...s/aspirin.html

Aspirin & Infertility
Contributed by Angie Boss, Staff Writer

Aspirin is a commonly used over the counter medication which has traditionally been used as an analgesic and fever reducer. In recent years, however, more attention has been paid to its anticoagulative properties. In other words, it keeps the blood from clotting excessively. The benefits of aspirin are currently being studied in the field of reproductive endocrinology.
Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA)
Aspirin therapy substantially reduces the risk for recurrent spontaneous abortion (more than two pregnancy losses) for women with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (APA). Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are a class of proteins that appear to be related to coagulation problems. The presence of APA is formally diagnosed through a series of blood tests; however, one of the hallmarks of APA is recurrent fetal loss, often through disruption of placental blood flow due to clotting.

Because of its anticoagulative properties, aspirin reduces the risk of clotting; consequently, the blood supply between an APA patient and her fetus is more likely to remain intact. Most frequently, aspirin is given in conjunction with heparin, a powerful anticoagulant that works at another phase of the coagulation process.

The success of low dose aspirin in the management of APA-related disorders has led to a more general study of its effects on the reproductive system. The focus of the research is upon whether or not the anticoagulative properties of aspirin will lead to increased blood supply to the ovaries and uterus. If there is an increased blood supply to these areas, the reasoning goes, these areas will receive a higher dosage of serum-carried hormones. As a result, the ovaries may be more productive, and the uterine lining thicker and more well-developed.

Aspirin and Heparin Therapy
Some IVF patients are treated with aspirin and heparin or immunoglobulin to prevent pregnancy loss. Aspirin and heparin therapy is used for some women who have had repeated spontaneous abortions, even without APA problems. Doctors at the CER Medical Institute in Buenos Aires compared 149 women undergoing IVF treatment and who took 100 milligrams of aspirin daily with 149 also undergoing IVF, but who did not take aspirin. Study results showed that 45 percent of the women who took aspirin became pregnant compared with 28 percent of the women not taking aspirin. The study also showed aspirin appeared to contribute to increased egg production. Researchers retrieved an average of 16.2 eggs from the women taking aspirin compared with an average of 8.6 eggs from women not taking aspirin.

"Low dose aspirin treatment significantly improves ovarian response, uterine and ovarian blood flow velocity, implantation rate and pregnancy rate in patients undergoing IVF," researchers report in the May issue of Fertility and Sterility, a publication produced by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Washington, D.C. "Aspirin seems to be a useful, effective and safe treatment in patients who undergo assisted reproductive technologies."

While research has focused on aspirin use for women with abnormal APA levels or spontaneous abortions, according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), this therapy is currently being used for many women undergoing IVF treatment, who may or may not have experienced spontaneous abortions. The 1997 survey conducted by SART found that among respondents using heparin and aspirin therapies for infertility treatment, 94% considered women who had recurrent spontaneous abortions as potential candidates; 49% considered women who previously had an unsuccessful IVF attempt; and 19% considered new IVF patients as potential candidates.

Neither aspirin nor heparin, alone or in combination, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as anticoagulation therapy for IVF patients. Although data about the risks and benefits of anticoagulation and immunoglobulin therapy in IVF patients are limited, use of this therapy is becoming more common in the United States.

In 1996, a 38-year-old woman who was nine weeks pregnant with triplets died of a cerebral hemorrhage. She had been undergoing infertility treatment including anticoagulation therapy, which is a combination of aspirin and heparin (the latter prevents the blood from clotting). This was the first reported case of pregnancy-related death associated with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and aspirin and heparin therapy. To date, this is the only known fatality that has been reported to the CDC due to aspirin and heparin therapy.

According to CDC, because the potential for bleeding exists with heparin and aspirin, anticoagulation therapy for in-vitro patients should be subject to vigorous scientific investigation and debate before being accepted as routine practice. Women seeking infertility treatment should discuss the risks and benefits of all therapies, including anticoagulation therapy, with potential providers.

Long term Aspirin Use
Additionally, taking aspirin for a long period of time may create difficulties. Doctors may not mention this to women who are trying to get pregnant, but the use of non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs, including Advil and Aleve, and aspirin cause ovulation problems. Specifically, the use of these medications can cause a failure of the follicles to burst and release eggs -- called luteinizing unruptured follicle syndrome (LUF or LUFS). This is an issue primarily for women who with illnesses such as arthritis who may be taking such medications for years.

The Bottom Line
Despite the fact that it is an over the counter drug, aspirin should not be used lightly. Many doctors are fond of saying that, if aspirin were to be discovered today, it would only be available by prescription. Additionally, there are certain members of the population that should generally avoid aspirin. These include individuals allergic to aspirin, a history of gastric irritation or bleeding, and clotting problems.

When you are trying to conceive, it is important not to take any type of drug, even an over the counter one, without talking to your doctor first. Patients should not self-medicate. If you feel your concerns are not being addressed, then consider a second opinion.

Journal Articles
1. Kutteh WH. Antiphospholipid antibody-associated recurrent pregnancy loss: treatment with heparin and low-dose aspirin is superior to low-dose aspirin alone. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174:1584-89.

2. Silver RM, Branch DW. Recurrent miscarriage: autoimmune considerations. Clin Obstet Gynecol 1994;37:745-60.

3. Sher G, Feinman M, Zouves C, et al. High fecundity rates following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in antiphospholipid antibody seropositive women treated with heparin and aspirin. Hum Reprod 1994;9:2278-83.

4. Kutteh WH, Yetman DL, Chantilis SJ, Crain J. Effect of antiphospholipid antibodies in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization: role of heparin and aspirin. Hum Reprod 1997;12:1171-5.

5. Steering Committee of the Physicians Health Study Research Group. Final report on the aspirin component of the ongoing Physiciansî Health Study. N Engl J Med 1989;321;129-35.

6. Patrignani P, Filabozzi P, Patrono C. Selective cumulative inhibition of platelet thromboxane production by low-dose aspirin in healthy subjects. J Clin Invest 1982;69:1366-72.

7. Walker AM, Jick H. Predictors of bleeding during heparin therapy. JAMA 1980;244:1209-12.

8. Smith G, Roberts R, Hall C, Nuki G, Reversible ovulatory failure associated with the development of luteinized unruptured follicles in women with inflammatory arthritis taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs., Br J Rheumatol 35: 5, 458-62, May, 1996.

9. Akil M, Amos RS, Stewart P, Infertility may sometimes be associated with NSAID consumption., Br J Rheumatol 35: 1, 76-8, Jan, 1996.

pookiefoxy · 01-26-2006, 03:23 PM

I am confused is it ok or not ok to take aspirin and when should I start at the begining of my stims or after retreaval??? Should i use baby aspirin or regular Help !!!!

kzb · 01-27-2006, 01:51 PM

Pookiefoxy--
My RE put me on one baby aspirin at the beginning of the Lupron stage, and I am still on it and well into my stim meds. You may want to check with your RE. Mine told me it helps blood flow to the ovaries, and it helps with production of eggs. Good Luck!

Tanya T. · 01-28-2006, 08:30 PM

Thanks for this information egirl,

Very useful!!!

Pookiefoxy, if you choose to use aspirin, the standard treatment is using it daily (even through menstration) while TTC. No matter if you are dealing with IVF, IUI or just trying naturally... Then continuing during pregnancy until shortly before due date...

I am one of the women who have aPL (antiphospholipid antibodies - aka APA). If you look at my signiture, you will see that it took a long time for me to have a baby & with many losses too... I was on heparin, IVIg & daily aspirin therapy throughout my pregnancy & I know that it is the reason that our daughter is here with us now... Because of my severe aPL issues, I will be on daily aspirin therapy for the rest of my life... I think that daily low dose (81 mg) aspirin while TTC & while pg is a good thing for almost any woman (unless they have medical concerns to not take it)... It is great for blood flow & nurishment between mother & baby...

Anyway, that is my .02
Hugs
Tanya

kellyrn · 01-29-2006, 08:06 PM

Hey guys. I have been on baby ASA for about 7 mos now. I had an ectopic pregnancy over the summer, which caused them to do further testing. I have MTHFR clotting disorder, so I've been taking it for that reason. It's cool to hear the other benefits though! Good luck to you all

macykitty · 01-30-2006, 02:32 PM

Hi Girls,

I just started gonal f and my doctor told me to also start taking baby aspirin. He recommended St. Joseph baby aspirin, 81 mg tablets, one a day. He said it helps increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and reduces the chance of blood clots.

Good luck!

pookiefoxy · 01-31-2006, 09:54 AM

Thanks Ladies for the valuable info!Will be starting IVF next month if all goes well i got a hysteroscopy done yesterday all went well not counting the EXCRUCIATING PAIN from the Dr. Dialating my Cervix ..The WORST Pain of my life ..

He put me on Luron for a month and hopefully start in the beginning of March ...

kzb · 01-31-2006, 02:54 PM

Pookiefoxy--
Best wishes and good luck! I am scheduled for my first retrieval on Thursday so I can let you know what I find from the procedure.

pookiefoxy · 01-31-2006, 05:16 PM

KZB Good LUCK!!!! Where you also on Lupron before stims ????

kzb · 02-01-2006, 08:42 AM

Pookiefoxy--I have been on Lupron. Two weeks prior to starting stims, and then the week and half of stim meds, I was still on it, just half the dose. Have you started it yet?

12-26-2005, 10:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
egirl 100-199 post 3 of hearts Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area Posts: 115	Aspirin May Boost Numbers of Eggs Retrieved I found this article (see below) when I was searching for APAs, but in it I found a nice paragraph on how aspirin usage may effectively boost egg retrieval numbers. I apologize for the size of this, but sometimes links disappear and this is rather important information. I hope that this helps someone. In November, I did a baby aspirin each day after an IUI. It was a BFN. But my following antral count the end of November was 16. We didn't do a cycle that month and I ceased the aspirin. In December (few days ago) my antral follicle count was only 10.The higher count the previous month might have been due to the aspirin. From 16 to 10 is a huge variation, and supposedly antral follicle numbers aren't supposed to vary that much. Also curious is that my number, 16, matches to that which was found in the study. Cheers, Linda ======================================= http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/le...s/aspirin.html Aspirin & Infertility Contributed by Angie Boss, Staff Writer Aspirin is a commonly used over the counter medication which has traditionally been used as an analgesic and fever reducer. In recent years, however, more attention has been paid to its anticoagulative properties. In other words, it keeps the blood from clotting excessively. The benefits of aspirin are currently being studied in the field of reproductive endocrinology. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) Aspirin therapy substantially reduces the risk for recurrent spontaneous abortion (more than two pregnancy losses) for women with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (APA). Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are a class of proteins that appear to be related to coagulation problems. The presence of APA is formally diagnosed through a series of blood tests; however, one of the hallmarks of APA is recurrent fetal loss, often through disruption of placental blood flow due to clotting. Because of its anticoagulative properties, aspirin reduces the risk of clotting; consequently, the blood supply between an APA patient and her fetus is more likely to remain intact. Most frequently, aspirin is given in conjunction with heparin, a powerful anticoagulant that works at another phase of the coagulation process. The success of low dose aspirin in the management of APA-related disorders has led to a more general study of its effects on the reproductive system. The focus of the research is upon whether or not the anticoagulative properties of aspirin will lead to increased blood supply to the ovaries and uterus. If there is an increased blood supply to these areas, the reasoning goes, these areas will receive a higher dosage of serum-carried hormones. As a result, the ovaries may be more productive, and the uterine lining thicker and more well-developed. Aspirin and Heparin Therapy Some IVF patients are treated with aspirin and heparin or immunoglobulin to prevent pregnancy loss. Aspirin and heparin therapy is used for some women who have had repeated spontaneous abortions, even without APA problems. Doctors at the CER Medical Institute in Buenos Aires compared 149 women undergoing IVF treatment and who took 100 milligrams of aspirin daily with 149 also undergoing IVF, but who did not take aspirin. Study results showed that 45 percent of the women who took aspirin became pregnant compared with 28 percent of the women not taking aspirin. The study also showed aspirin appeared to contribute to increased egg production. Researchers retrieved an average of 16.2 eggs from the women taking aspirin compared with an average of 8.6 eggs from women not taking aspirin. "Low dose aspirin treatment significantly improves ovarian response, uterine and ovarian blood flow velocity, implantation rate and pregnancy rate in patients undergoing IVF," researchers report in the May issue of Fertility and Sterility, a publication produced by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Washington, D.C. "Aspirin seems to be a useful, effective and safe treatment in patients who undergo assisted reproductive technologies." While research has focused on aspirin use for women with abnormal APA levels or spontaneous abortions, according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), this therapy is currently being used for many women undergoing IVF treatment, who may or may not have experienced spontaneous abortions. The 1997 survey conducted by SART found that among respondents using heparin and aspirin therapies for infertility treatment, 94% considered women who had recurrent spontaneous abortions as potential candidates; 49% considered women who previously had an unsuccessful IVF attempt; and 19% considered new IVF patients as potential candidates. Neither aspirin nor heparin, alone or in combination, are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as anticoagulation therapy for IVF patients. Although data about the risks and benefits of anticoagulation and immunoglobulin therapy in IVF patients are limited, use of this therapy is becoming more common in the United States. In 1996, a 38-year-old woman who was nine weeks pregnant with triplets died of a cerebral hemorrhage. She had been undergoing infertility treatment including anticoagulation therapy, which is a combination of aspirin and heparin (the latter prevents the blood from clotting). This was the first reported case of pregnancy-related death associated with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and aspirin and heparin therapy. To date, this is the only known fatality that has been reported to the CDC due to aspirin and heparin therapy. According to CDC, because the potential for bleeding exists with heparin and aspirin, anticoagulation therapy for in-vitro patients should be subject to vigorous scientific investigation and debate before being accepted as routine practice. Women seeking infertility treatment should discuss the risks and benefits of all therapies, including anticoagulation therapy, with potential providers. Long term Aspirin Use Additionally, taking aspirin for a long period of time may create difficulties. Doctors may not mention this to women who are trying to get pregnant, but the use of non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs, including Advil and Aleve, and aspirin cause ovulation problems. Specifically, the use of these medications can cause a failure of the follicles to burst and release eggs -- called luteinizing unruptured follicle syndrome (LUF or LUFS). This is an issue primarily for women who with illnesses such as arthritis who may be taking such medications for years. The Bottom Line Despite the fact that it is an over the counter drug, aspirin should not be used lightly. Many doctors are fond of saying that, if aspirin were to be discovered today, it would only be available by prescription. Additionally, there are certain members of the population that should generally avoid aspirin. These include individuals allergic to aspirin, a history of gastric irritation or bleeding, and clotting problems. When you are trying to conceive, it is important not to take any type of drug, even an over the counter one, without talking to your doctor first. Patients should not self-medicate. If you feel your concerns are not being addressed, then consider a second opinion. Journal Articles 1. Kutteh WH. Antiphospholipid antibody-associated recurrent pregnancy loss: treatment with heparin and low-dose aspirin is superior to low-dose aspirin alone. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174:1584-89. 2. Silver RM, Branch DW. Recurrent miscarriage: autoimmune considerations. Clin Obstet Gynecol 1994;37:745-60. 3. Sher G, Feinman M, Zouves C, et al. High fecundity rates following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in antiphospholipid antibody seropositive women treated with heparin and aspirin. Hum Reprod 1994;9:2278-83. 4. Kutteh WH, Yetman DL, Chantilis SJ, Crain J. Effect of antiphospholipid antibodies in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization: role of heparin and aspirin. Hum Reprod 1997;12:1171-5. 5. Steering Committee of the Physicians Health Study Research Group. Final report on the aspirin component of the ongoing Physiciansî Health Study. N Engl J Med 1989;321;129-35. 6. Patrignani P, Filabozzi P, Patrono C. Selective cumulative inhibition of platelet thromboxane production by low-dose aspirin in healthy subjects. J Clin Invest 1982;69:1366-72. 7. Walker AM, Jick H. Predictors of bleeding during heparin therapy. JAMA 1980;244:1209-12. 8. Smith G, Roberts R, Hall C, Nuki G, Reversible ovulatory failure associated with the development of luteinized unruptured follicles in women with inflammatory arthritis taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs., Br J Rheumatol 35: 5, 458-62, May, 1996. 9. Akil M, Amos RS, Stewart P, Infertility may sometimes be associated with NSAID consumption., Br J Rheumatol 35: 1, 76-8, Jan, 1996.

01-28-2006, 08:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tanya T. 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ontario Canada/ Utah USA Posts: 2,951	Thanks for this information egirl, Very useful!!! Pookiefoxy, if you choose to use aspirin, the standard treatment is using it daily (even through menstration) while TTC. No matter if you are dealing with IVF, IUI or just trying naturally... Then continuing during pregnancy until shortly before due date... I am one of the women who have aPL (antiphospholipid antibodies - aka APA). If you look at my signiture, you will see that it took a long time for me to have a baby & with many losses too... I was on heparin, IVIg & daily aspirin therapy throughout my pregnancy & I know that it is the reason that our daughter is here with us now... Because of my severe aPL issues, I will be on daily aspirin therapy for the rest of my life... I think that daily low dose (81 mg) aspirin while TTC & while pg is a good thing for almost any woman (unless they have medical concerns to not take it)... It is great for blood flow & nurishment between mother & baby... Anyway, that is my .02 Hugs Tanya __________________ TTC#1 - 14+ yrs 12+ losses 1 viable(after )12 weeks-Elijah-our lost angel DX - Immune issues aPL's TX - IVIg, heparin, aspirin & progesterone - IUI-Jun 04 - BFP- YIPPEEE!!!CHEYENNE- our miracle -Born March 7th 05 TTC #2 1yr+ Surprise BFP - SETH our #2 Miracle - Born May 21, 2007

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01-26-2006, 03:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
pookiefoxy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: california Posts: 83	I am confused is it ok or not ok to take aspirin and when should I start at the begining of my stims or after retreaval??? Should i use baby aspirin or regular Help !!!!

01-27-2006, 01:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
kzb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: PA Posts: 83	Pookiefoxy-- My RE put me on one baby aspirin at the beginning of the Lupron stage, and I am still on it and well into my stim meds. You may want to check with your RE. Mine told me it helps blood flow to the ovaries, and it helps with production of eggs. Good Luck!

01-29-2006, 08:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
kellyrn 900-999 post jack of hearts Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 931	Hey guys. I have been on baby ASA for about 7 mos now. I had an ectopic pregnancy over the summer, which caused them to do further testing. I have MTHFR clotting disorder, so I've been taking it for that reason. It's cool to hear the other benefits though! Good luck to you all

01-30-2006, 02:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
macykitty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 185	Hi Girls, I just started gonal f and my doctor told me to also start taking baby aspirin. He recommended St. Joseph baby aspirin, 81 mg tablets, one a day. He said it helps increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and reduces the chance of blood clots. Good luck!

01-31-2006, 09:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
pookiefoxy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: california Posts: 83	Thanks Ladies for the valuable info!Will be starting IVF next month if all goes well i got a hysteroscopy done yesterday all went well not counting the EXCRUCIATING PAIN from the Dr. Dialating my Cervix ..The WORST Pain of my life .. He put me on Luron for a month and hopefully start in the beginning of March ...

01-31-2006, 02:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
kzb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: PA Posts: 83	Pookiefoxy-- Best wishes and good luck! I am scheduled for my first retrieval on Thursday so I can let you know what I find from the procedure.

01-31-2006, 05:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
pookiefoxy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: california Posts: 83	KZB Good LUCK!!!! Where you also on Lupron before stims ????

02-01-2006, 08:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
kzb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: PA Posts: 83	Pookiefoxy--I have been on Lupron. Two weeks prior to starting stims, and then the week and half of stim meds, I was still on it, just half the dose. Have you started it yet?