sperm
The use of sunscreen is recommended especially for those who are frequently exposed to sunlight. However, recent studies indicate if the men, the use of sunscreen also have a negative effect on their fertility.
In a longitudinal study Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE), researchers say if a specific group of chemicals that are useful filter benzophenone UV rays that can be absorbed through the skin and interfere with fertility hormones in men.
Interestingly, this effect was not seen in women who use sunscreen with benzophenone content. In everyday life, benzophenone is also often used for multiple products shampoos, moisturizers, and cosmetics. For the study, researchers recruited 501 couples who are trying to have a child.
The women aged 18-44 years, while the men aged over 18 years. Since 2005-2009, the researchers observed the lifestyle of each pair, the environment, exposure to chemicals in everyday life, BMI, age, and smoking habits. Urine samples were taken to test their five concentrations of UV filters that were previously shown to disrupt hormones and the endocrine system.
“The result was found when exposure to UV filters in sunscreens could affect their fertility hormones. Although we emphasize ease of couples to have children is influenced also by other factors. But at least, exposure to chemicals as a UV filter is also noteworthy,” said lead researcher Dr. Germaine Louis from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
However Dr. Louis stressed man should continue to use sunscreen to reduce the risk of skin cancer. In order to prevent disruption of fertility, use a sunscreen that does not contain benzophenone. Or minimal, wash skin after you are outdoors.
“The skin is the largest organ in the body. The ingredients in sunscreens are able to seep into the body and in fact affect male fertility,” said Dr. Louis, quoted by the Daily Mail, Wednesday (11/26/2014).
In the future, Dr. Louis and the team plans to conduct further studies to determine how the effects of exposure to chemicals in the sunscreen on male fertility, whether by reducing the number of sperm, lower sperm quality, or the other way. The study has been published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Hopefully this information is useful to you.
