Low-Dose Aspirin Interventions in Reproductive Health

Low-dose aspirin, typically administered at 75–100 mg per day, has been investigated as an adjuvant therapy in a variety of reproductive contexts, from assisted reproductive technologies to recurrent pregnancy loss. Its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to improve uterine blood flow, modulate endometrial receptivity and support implantation. Clinicians have explored aspirin’s potential to augment clinical pregnancy rates, reduce early pregnancy loss and enhance live birth outcomes. Mechanistic studies suggest that aspirin influences key signalling pathways in endometrial cells and stem cells, while clinical trials and meta-analyses have sought to clarify its efficacy across in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Despite heterogeneity in patient populations, dose regimens and treatment windows, low-dose aspirin remains a low-cost, well‐tolerated intervention that could offer measurable benefits, particularly in subgroups defined by inflammatory status or body mass index.

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Low-Dose Aspirin Interventions in Reproductive Health publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in low-dose aspirin interventions in reproductive health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Low-dose aspirin: A daily regimen of acetylsalicylic acid (typically 75–100 mg) used for its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects.

Endometrial receptivity: The state of the uterine lining that permits embryo attachment and implantation, influenced by hormonal and molecular cues.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): An assisted reproductive technique in which a single sperm is injected directly into an oocyte to facilitate fertilisation.

Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET): A procedure in which embryos cryopreserved from a prior IVF cycle are thawed and transferred into the uterine cavity.

Clinical pregnancy rate: The proportion of embryo transfer cycles resulting in a pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound detection of a gestational sac.

Randomised controlled trial (RCT): A study design in which participants are randomly assigned to intervention or control groups to evaluate treatment effects under controlled conditions.

Meta-analysis: A statistical method that combines data from multiple studies to derive pooled estimates of treatment efficacy or safety.

References

1. Unveiling the potential effects of acetylsalicylic acid: insights into regeneration in endometrial stem cells. Cell Communication and Signaling (2023).
2. Efficacy evaluation of low-dose aspirin in IVF/ICSI patients evidence from 13 RCTs. Medicine (2017).
3. Body mass index modified the effectiveness of low dose aspirin treatment on frozen-thawed embryo transfer outcome: a propensity score-matched study. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2024).