The Truth Behind Ibuprofen and Male Hormones

Studies completed over the last few decades all point to one fact; sperm quality has decreased.

There is not one specific cause of this issue. Instead you’ll find that many factors associated with modern life are to blame. Ibuprofen is a great over the counter painkiller.

But is it also connected with the decline in sperm quality?

Sperm Quality Is Declining

There are many who argue that sperm quality has not really declined; we are simply better able to measure it in the modern world.

While this would be great if it were true the research does not agree.

The American Society of Andrology published a report in 2017 that showed the results of research carried out between 1973 and 2011.

The report focused on data from 42,000 men over this period. The findings confirmed that sperm concentration has dropped. What might surprise you is that it’s dropped by a massive 52.4%!

Supporting the Facts

One study conducted in Denmark and France used 31 men under 35. Half of the group was given 1,200mg of ibuprofen a day. The other half were given a placebo.

The results, after just two weeks were staggering. It was clear that the higher the level of ibuprofen in the body the lower the amount of testosterone.

It was impossible to draw any other conclusion than the fact that ibuprofen has the ability to adjust male hormone levels and lower testosterone.

The Back Up

One study by itself is not enough to confirm that ibuprofen is definitively linked to lower sperm quality.

But, this study was performed by a team that is known for its work on analgesics. They have been the front runners in many revelations regarding how human hormones are affecting by the environment and our medications.

Another great example of their work is their research into acetaminophen; one of the main ingredients in Tylenol.

This research looked at the link between prenatal exposure to this ingredient and the absence of testes from the scrotum.

The results showed that the medication and environmental factors play a huge part in altering the development of a child. What’s more this research showed that the active ingredient in Tylenol can actually decrease male reproductive capabilities for life!

Ibuprofen is not likely to affect unborn babies as it is not usually taken by pregnant women. But it is important to note that it does have an effect on your male hormone levels.

Future Research

It is not advisable to stop taking ibuprofen immediately. One study is enough to raise concerns and warrant further investigation.

But, unless you are habitually taking 1,200mg of ibuprofen every day it is not believed likely at this stage that this would have the same effects.

In fact some research has even suggested that low doses of ibuprofen can have a positive effect on semen quality.

The simple fact is that more research is needed. While this is being conducted the only safe course of action is to monitor and limit your intake of ibuprofen.

This is especially true if you are in the process of trying for a baby.