Ibuprofen Might Be the Buzzkill of the Male Fertility Party

Ibuprofen might lead to heart problems and a hormonal condition in men which is linked to a drop in fertility.

The drug might lead to a hormonal condition in men which brings a drop in fertility.

(Photo: iStockphoto)

Dear men, you might want to take a closer look at your medicine cabinet if you don’t want to harm your fertility. According to a study published on Monday, 8 January, the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen might bring down male fertility. It is mostly used for mild aches and to reduce fever.

The study concluded that a usual dose of ibuprofen might lead to a hormonal condition in men. Now this condition is quite the party pooper. If it makes an appearance at all, it’s only in the middle age and is responsible for bringing a drop in fertility.

The study, however, had recruited 31 male participants from the age group of 18-35 years.

The study indicates that ibuprofen use can lead to testosterone deficiency, which is a failure of the testes to produce the male sex hormone testosterone, sperm or both.

Additionally, experiments have hown that if taken during pregnancy, ibuprofen might affect the testicles of male babies, pointed out CNN. It also increases the possibility of them being born with congenital defects.

The CNN report further says that the medicine is “anti-androgenic”. This implies that it’s capable of disrupting male hormones.

Along with fertility, other conditions that can be caused by ibuprofen include depression, cardiovascular problems and in some extreme cases, heart failure and stroke.

Ibuprofen was banned for sale as an over-the-counter drug without prescription by the Delhi government during dengue season.

(With inputs from CNN.)