Adjuvant Medical Information

Adjuvant therapy, also known as ‘add-ons’, adjunct, complementary or alternative therapies, are recognised  as  an  addition  to  standard  assisted  reproductive  treatment  and  may  be recommended to you with the intention to increase your success during your fertility treatment.

There are numerous options available to you when accessing adjuvant therapies, including but not limited to the technology in laboratories, medical procedures, prescribed medications, nutritional supplements,  and  traditional  medicines  such  as  Chinese  medicine,  including

acupuncture. At present, the effectiveness of many adjuvant therapies is unknown, with little to no evidence that they will increase the success of your treatment or improve live birth rates. However, your health care provider may recommend adjuvant therapy when considering your medical history and tailoring your treatment plan.

It is important to consider the effectiveness, risks and financial costs of adjuvant therapies.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin is used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, swollen and tender body tissues. Aspirin is also known for its antiplatelet effect, which reduces inflammation in the arteries and prevents blood clots from forming. Daily Low dose Aspirin (LDA) is often prescribed as a preventative measure for heart attacks and strokes.

Your fertility specialist may recommend low dose aspirin to you if you have a history of embryo implantation failure, early pregnancy loss or anti-phospholipid syndrome. It is thought that a localised inflammatory response in the uterus, whether triggered by an embryo transfer procedure or occurring independently, may be a contributing factor to implantation failure and early pregnancy loss. The inflammatory response, activated by prostaglandins, can introduce the formation of clots and uterine contractions.

Aspirin’s anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effect is thought to reduce the localised inflammation in the uterus and decrease the risk of implantation failure and early pregnancy loss. However, there is low-quality research and evidence supporting the use of routine low dose aspirin; therefore, its use in artificial reproduction is uncertain.

Some common side effects can include:
• Diarrhoea
• Itching
• Pain or stiffness in joints
• Ringing in ears
• Trembling
• Fast, pounding heartbeat 

Regarding any additional side effects or contraindications for Aspirin, please refer to the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) sheet. 

Please notify your fertility specialist if you:
• Are using other blood-thinning medications
• Have a history of gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, or gastritis
• Kidney failure or severe liver disease
• Asthma
• Bleeding or clotting disorders 

Aspirin is a Category C drug, meaning it pharmacological effects, have caused, or may be suspected of causing harmful effects on the human foetus or neonate without causing malformations. However, it is known that Aspirin does not cross the placenta. Please speak to your obstetrician about continuing Aspirin during pregnancy. 

Cost of Low Dose Aspirin (LDA): The cost of low dose aspirin will vary depending on the brand and pharmacy. A box of tablets could cost you anywhere between $3 – $20. 

Is Low Dose Aspirin (LDA) included in the cost of my cycle?: Aspirin is an additional expense and is not included in the cost of your cycle.