Recent studies have raised serious concerns about the effects of paracetamol on male fertility. Researchers from Brunel University in London have found that high doses of this common painkiller may be harmful to the male reproductive system, leading to a significant reduction in active sperm count. This discovery was reported by the Daily Mail.
Statistics show a troubling trend: sperm count in men worldwide has dropped drastically, with a shocking 60% decline in just one generation. While male fertility used to decrease by 1% each year before 2000, this rate has now accelerated to 2% annually.
In the UK, medical professionals are alarmed by the increasing fertility issues among young men, who are almost three times more likely to experience reproductive problems than older generations. This decline in fertility is contributing to a falling birth rate, which has now dropped below the level needed for natural population growth.
The researchers at Brunel University have made a surprising link between male fertility decline and the widespread use of paracetamol. A study involving nearly 1,000 men revealed that all participants had paracetamol levels in their urine that exceeded the acceptable limits.
The researchers suspect that paracetamol, when combined with other chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system, can accumulate in the body over time. This prolonged exposure may negatively impact sperm production. Lab experiments on mice also supported this theory, showing a significant decrease in testosterone production when the rodents were given paracetamol and underwent testicular tissue transplantation.
In addition to paracetamol, scientists have also raised concerns about ibuprofen, another common painkiller. Studies suggest that ibuprofen can lower testosterone levels and disrupt normal sperm production. However, some medical experts believe that pharmaceutical drugs are not the sole cause of the growing infertility problem.
British endocrinologist Annis Mukherjee points out that while endocrine disruptors are a significant concern, genetic factors and lifestyle choices also play an important role in male fertility.
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