Women who take an aspirin before s*x may increase the likelihood of conceiving a baby boy, suggest researchers.
In a recent study, women with a history of miscarriages were more
likely to give birth to a male child after taking aspirin around the
time of conception compared with women given a placebo.
In fact, aspirin increased the likelihood of having a boy by nearly
a third, reports the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Previous
research showed that recurrent miscarriage is linked to increased
inflammation in the womb.
The theory is that the immune system sees the developing embryo as a
foreign body, attacking it with inflammatory compounds and immune
cells. This inflammation may further reduce the likelihood of the woman
having a boy because male foetuses are thought to be more vulnerable.
In Britain, there are slightly more female births than males.
External harmful factors, such as stress, pollution or smoking
around conception have been associated with a reduction in the number of
males, and suggest male embryos are more vulnerable for some reason.
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used to treat pain,
fever and inflammation. Several small trials have shown that it
increases the pregnancy rate among women undergoing IVF.
In the latest study, researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the U.S.
gave 1,228 women who had a history of miscarriages a low-dose aspirin to
take before sex or a placebo pill (folic acid) for as long as they were
attempting to get pregnant.
Thirty-one per cent on aspirin had a boy, compared to 23 per cent
on the placebo. And those on aspirin who had boys had reduced
inflammation, suggesting the drug had an effect.
Aspirin before conception seems to ensure the chance of a male
embryo being rejected is reduced, says Professor Simon Fishel, president
of CARE Fertility clinics.
‘It is a very interesting conclusion and more studies are
needed to confirm if it is a potential solution to the apparent excess
of female babies for women with evidence of inflammation.
‘Importantly, it relates only to women who have had
miscarriages and evidence of inflammation. It does not have any bearing
on sex ratios in normal conceptions where aspirin will not increase the
chances of having a boy.’
Source: Dailymail
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