Ibuprofen linked to male infertility, study

Men who regularly take ibuprofen may be putting their fertility at risk, claims a new study.

Experts found the painkillers reduce levels of key male sex hormones needed for healthy sperm. They fear long-term use may be to blame for rising levels of infertility.

It follows previous research, which shows baby boys born to women who took over-the-counter painkillers for two weeks were at increased risk of fertility problems.

Tots were up to 16 times more likely to have undescended testicles if their mom took more than one dose of aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen when expecting.

In the current study, Danish and French scientists carried out a series of trials to see how ibuprofen affects adults.

In tests on 31 young men, two-week use of the drug affected levels of crucial male hormones, including testosterone.

And lab experiments also show testicular tissue exposed to the painkiller made less testosterone and damaged its ability to make sperm.

Our lab tests show that when you hit the testes with a compound like ibuprofen, it results in a reduction in all the main male hormones, said researcher David Møbjerg Kristensen, from the University of Copenhagen, said.

The major concern is of course male fertility and how it is affected by chronic use.

There are now plans to carry out a long-term study on the impact of ibuprofen on sperm quality.

Kristensen said one in 50 Danish adults take over-the-counter painkillers on a regular basis to combat headaches.

And even more use them daily for arthritis and back and muscle aches.

These drugs are so common in modern society, that many people take them for granted, Kristensen added.

But just because you can buy them over-the-counter does not mean these compounds are not proper medicines. They do have side effects.

So the take-home message is do not abuse them, and take the smallest dose for the shortest period of time.

Previous studies show it takes couples longer to get pregnant if the man has been taking paracetamol.

Dr. Kevin McEleny, from the British Fertility Society, said: “Some studies have shown that exposure to drugs such as ibuprofen can affect testicular health in the fetus. But this is the first time that ibuprofen has been shown to have an impact on testicular health in adults.

But no direct effect on fertility was shown, but the results of this initial study suggest that it warrants further investigation.

John Smith, chief executive of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, the UK trade association representing manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, said:

The researchers highlight that further studies would be required to determine the possible effect ibuprofen could have on human reproductive and physical disorders, specifically in men.

People taking over-the-counter ibuprofen should not be concerned by this research. Ibuprofen is an effective and appropriately safe way to provide short-term pain relief if used in accordance with the clear on-pack instructions.

The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,