Use of non-prescription analgesics and male reproductive function

B. B. Høyer*, C. H. Ramlau-Hansen, J. P. Bonde, S. B. Larsen, G. Toft

*Corresponding author for this work
2 Citations (Scopus)
74 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We studied the association between intake of non-prescription analgesics and semen quality and male reproductive hormone levels in a cross-sectional study among 1493 men. The men provided one semen (n = 1493) and blood sample (n = 1056) and filled in questionnaires on use of non-prescription analgesics (paracetamol, NSAIDs and combination drugs (yes/no)). Adjusting for age, study and other covariates, we observed no association between intake of non-prescription analgesics and markers of semen quality. Adjusting for age and time of day of blood sampling, users of non-prescription analgesics had a 10.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.0–17.1%) higher testosterone level than non-users. When we stratified by medication type, the association between analgesics and higher testosterone was observed between users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and combination drugs but not paracetamol. This study suggests that use of non-prescription analgesics is associated with slightly higher serum testosterone levels than non-use.

Original languageEnglish
JournalReproductive Toxicology
Volume74
Pages (from-to)70-76
Number of pages7
ISSN0890-6238
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Gonadal steroid hormones
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Paracetamol
  • Reproductive health
  • Semen analysis

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