Common painkiller use in early pregnancy linked to smaller ovaries and testes
Taking the painkiller paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy has been linked to smaller ovaries and testes in baby girls and boys, but that doesn't mean it directly caused them or affects fertility
A recent study of approximately 300 infants in Denmark suggests a possible link between mothers taking paracetamol during pregnancy and smaller ovary and testes sizes in their offspring. While the study did not establish a definitive causal relationship, it did observe that girl infants whose mothers used paracetamol had 40% smaller ovarian volume, 13% smaller uterus volume, and 23% fewer ovarian follicles compared to those whose mothers did not use the drug.
Boys exposed to paracetamol also showed a smaller testicular volume on average. However, the study acknowledges that these findings could be due to underlying conditions that led to paracetamol use or mere coincidence. The researchers emphasize that paracetamol is still recommended for pregnant women experiencing high fever or severe pain, as safer alternatives are limited.
The study's authors stress the need for further long-term follow-up to determine the potential reproductive consequences for the affected children.
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