Do anti-inflammatory drugs have an effect on sperm?

We all know that if a couple wants to give birth to a healthy baby, they must have high-quality sperm and eggs. In particular, the quality of the man's sperm often determines the health of the fetus and whether it will suffer from some congenital diseases. Therefore, men and women in the pregnancy preparation period need to pay more attention to their daily life and diet. So, if a man takes anti-inflammatory drugs, will it affect his sperm?

Do anti-inflammatory drugs have an effect on sperm?

There are many types of anti-inflammatory drugs, some with minor side effects and some with major side effects. Generally speaking, penicillins, cephalosporins, erythromycin, etc. anti-inflammatory drugs generally do not have much effect on sperm. Even if there is an effect, it usually only affects sperm motility, quantity, etc., and there will be no other problems, so don't worry too much.

A good lifestyle can protect sperm more effectively

(1) Drivers and white-collar workers or those who sit for long periods of time and lack exercise (bicycles) may suffer from heat stress caused by high temperatures, and the testicles, epididymis and spermatic cord may be compressed, which affects blood circulation, blood congestion in the venous plexus around the spermatic cord, and increased intravenous pressure, which affects testicular metabolism, leading to CO2 accumulation in the blood, testicular and epididymis hypoxia, and poor waste metabolism, which is detrimental to sperm production and storage.

(2) Vigorous exercise can affect sperm production. The energy required for human exercise comes from the oxidation and decomposition of glucose. Our breathing can ensure sufficient oxygen supply. Glucose will decompose into carbon dioxide and water in the presence of oxygen molecules to generate energy. However, due to the huge energy consumption during vigorous exercise, when deeper and faster breathing cannot meet the body's demand for oxygen, glucose will undergo anaerobic fermentation in a state of hypoxia, and at the same time produce a large amount of acidic metabolites such as lactic acid. These acidic metabolites enter the testicles with the blood circulation, which will lead to oxidative stress and produce a large amount of reactive oxygen components in semen. When the reactive oxygen in semen exceeds the antioxidant capacity of semen itself, it will have an adverse effect on sperm.

(3) The impact of smoking on semen quality It is generally believed that cigarettes contain nicotine, carbon monoxide, cadmium, lead, heavy metals and other substances. Smoking can affect the biosynthesis of testosterone. Heavy smokers can also cause penile artery contraction, hinder the occurrence and maturation of sperm, and cause sperm motility and sperm morphology to decrease. This difference becomes more significant with the increase in smoking amount and smoking time, and can also cause sperm chromosomes to be distorted.

(4) Effect of alcohol on semen quality After drinking a lot of alcohol, ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde can directly or indirectly inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis, damage the spermatogenic function of the testicles, and cause changes in the chromosome structure and number of reproductive cells, which can be manifested as prolonged semen liquefaction time, reduced sperm survival rate, and decreased sperm motility.

(5) Effect of diet on semen quality Danish scientists have found that the more saturated fat a man consumes, the lower the sperm concentration and the lower the quality. In other words, eating greasy food is harmful to sperm. Research data in my country shows that eating "raw cottonseed oil" can lead to a significant decrease or even disappearance of spermatogenic cells. The "hygienic oil" consumed in some areas now is processed "cooked cottonseed oil". Qualified products have removed cottonpol and can be eaten.