No painkillers during pregnancy

Dangerous painkillers during pregnancy. Pregnant women should better abstain from medicines.

Women who take painkillers over a longer period of time or during pregnancy may endanger the health of the unborn child. This was the result of a Danish study by the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. If pregnant women take painkillers such as aspirin or acetaminophen for a certain amount of time or over a certain period of time, the undescended testicle elevation risk for newborn boys increases (lag anomaly of the testicle). The malformation of the testes may lead to a reduced quality of sperm later in life and may promote the development of testicular cancer.

Combination of different painkillers especially risky
The scientists around Henrik Leffers from the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen interviewed a total of 835 women from all over Denmark about their use of painkillers during pregnancy. According to the results of the study, 57 percent of women took painkillers during pregnancy. The researchers then compared the results of both groups. It was noted that unborn children, especially between the fourth and sixth month sensitive to analgesics. If the women surveyed included drugs such as ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid during this phase, the risk of undescended testicles quadrupled. The active ingredient paracetamol, however, doubled the risk. Particularly problematic is the combination of different painkiller agents: here increased the undescended testicular risk by 16 times.

Increase in infertility in men
The scientists also suspect a connection to the declining fertility rates in men. Seed quality in industrialized countries has been steadily declining for men for several decades. However, this would require further substantiated study to substantiate this suspicion. Other researchers assume that even the mass-used chemical „Bisphenol A“ plays an important role. The substance is used in many everyday products and probably has a negative effect on the hormonal balance of men and women.

What to do in case of pain in pregnancy
The authors of the study recommend in the scientific journal "Human Reproduction" to consult a doctor in case of complaints instead of using painkillers themselves. Henrik Leffers said: "Pregnant women should seek the advice of a doctor before taking painkillers. Generally, as few medicines as possible are possible during pregnancy". Alternatively, natural painkillers can be used in consultation with their doctor or alternative practitioner. For example, a light peppermint oil that rubs on the forehead or temples in a circular motion helps with mild headaches. Other natural painkillers include nettle, arnica, black mustard and poplar. (sb, 09.11.2010)

Also read:
Testicle undulation can be treated in time
Twisted testes (testicular torsion)
Risk of peanut allergy in pregnancy
More men suffer from impotence
Pain can be a matter of the mind

Picture: Gerd Altmann