Could a common ED drug reduce birth emergencies?

NCT ID NCT06522854

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study aimed to see if giving sildenafil (the drug in Viagra) to women in labor could prevent fetal distress, reduce the need for emergency C-sections or forceps deliveries, and lower the risk of newborns needing breathing help. The trial planned to enroll 120 women in low-resource countries, comparing sildenafil to a placebo. However, the study was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no conclusions can be drawn.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

sildenafil citrate (oral tablet, 50 mg)

What this could lead to

If this pilot works, it could point toward a simple, low-cost way to reduce emergency C-sections and newborn breathing problems in low-resource settings.

What could go wrong

This trial was withdrawn before enrolling anyone, so no results exist. Even if run later, it is a small feasibility study, not proof of benefit. Sildenafil can cause side effects like headache or low blood pressure.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

perinatal asphyxia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital

    Ogbomoso, Oyo State, 210271, Nigeria

  • Lagos Island Maternity Hospital

    Lagos, Lagos, 101001, Nigeria

  • Mother and Child Hospital

    Surulere, Lagos, 101241, Nigeria

  • University Teaching Hospital, University of Lagos

    Lagos, Lagos, 102215, Nigeria