Effects of major analgesics on male fertility: A systematic literature review

JBRA Assist Reprod. 2024 Mar 28. doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240020. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: To verify, based on a systematic literature review, the effects of the main analgesics on male fertility.

Data sources: The studies were analyzed from the PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases.

Study selection: The articles selected for the present review included: cohort studies; cross-sectional studies, clinical trials; complete studies; studies with animal models that addressed the proposed theme and that were published within the stipulated period from March 1, 2013, to March 31, 2023, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. These would later have to go through inclusion stages such as framing the type of study and exclusion criteria.

Data collection: Author's name, year of publication, study population, number of patients, analgesic, administration time, dose, and effect.

Conclusions: There are in vitro and in vivo studies that link paracetamol and ibuprofen to endocrine and seminal changes that are harmful to male fertility. However, more clinical research is needed to determine the doses and timing of administration that affect fertility. The effects of aspirin on male fertility are still unclear due to the lack of studies and consistent methodologies. There is not enough research on dipyrone and its relationship with male fertility, requiring more studies in this area.

Keywords: NSAIDs; hormonal changes; human reproduction; male infertility; sperm quality.

Publication types

  • Review