Painkillers could harm your child, mothers-to-be warned
almost halved. Those born with a reduced number of cells could experience an early menopause.
Testicular tissues exposed to paracetamol or ibuprofen had around a quarter fewer sperm-producing cells, the scientists said.
Tests in mice carrying grafts of human tissue produced similar results. After one day of human doses of paracetamol, the number of sperm-producing cells had dropped by 17 per cent, while after a week of treatment there were almost a third fewer cells.
Dr Channa Jayasena, a senior lecturer in reproductive endocrinology at Imperial College London, said: “This latest study raises the possibility that paracetamol and ibuprofen may reduce the growth of the germ cells which later become eggs or sperm in unborn babies.
“It is important to recognise that the study only looks at tissue in the lab, which limits its relevance in humans.
“However, when its results are considered in the context of similar recent studies, they become more interesting.
“While it is still premature to stop taking these important drugs, there is a growing case to investigate their safety for pregnant women.” Patrick O’Brien, consultant obstetrician and spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said definitive conclusions could not be drawn and more research was needed.
“Women should not be alarmed by the results of this study. Paracetamol is widely accepted as a safe painkiller for pregnant women to take, and can be very beneficial when a pregnant woman is suffering with a migraine, for example,” he said. If that does not work, a doctor should be consulted.
The research was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.