New research shows taking
Ibuprofen at high doses could lower fertility in men
The lowered fertility was noticed
among some 31 men aged under 35 who take in a study that required them to take
the maximum daily dose of Ibuprofen—1200mg or six tablets of 200mg each—for six
weeks while others took a replacement.
The study was published in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Within two weeks, the men
developed hypogonadism, a sexual hormone dysfunction that meant their bodies
produced less testosterone (the male sex hormone).
The level of the trouble hormone
was dependent on the level of ibuprofen in their blood.
And these hormones are key to
fertility, suggesting prolonged use of the drug could lead to erectile
dysfunction, muscle loss and depression - leading to a diminished sex drive.
The level of another hormone,
which stimulates testosterone production, increased as the men took the drug,
but overall production of testosterone did not increase.
Ibuprofen is a common
over-the-counter drug, right up there with other painkillers as paracetamol and
aspirin. Men who work in high-energy jobs pop Ibuprofen as a routine.
Researchers don’t believe any
side effects are in store for men who the drug for occasional headaches.
The problem is in men who use it
for long-term pain management. Full blown hypogonadism impairs a man’s ability
to produce sperm.
And the ages up to 35 is crucial.
One in every four couples of reproductive age in developing countries
experience childlessness despite five years of attempting pregnancy, according
to the World Health Organisation.
In 2010, 45 million couples were
infertile, according to one study. A separate study suggest men are solely
responsible for up to 30% of all cases of childlessness. Overall, they
contribute to half of all cases.
Other analyses in the journal, Human
Reproduction Update, found sperm counts
of men in developed world are plummeting. Forty years until 2011, sperm
concentration has declined 52% and sperm count has dropped 59%.
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