Pain Relievers May Affect Baby Boys

Pregnant women may want to be careful about taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen. Over 2000 Scandinavian women reported on their use of such drugs during pregnancy. Those who had taken more than one kind of analgesic at a time were seven times more likely to give birth to a son with undescended testicles. This condition, called cryptorchidism, can lead to impaired fertility. The risk was even higher if the women took combined pain relievers during the second trimester. Animal studies suggest that these compounds may disrupt the balance of hormones, particularly testosterone, during gestation. Further research is needed, but this is a reminder that pregnant women should attempt to avoid any drugs unless they are absolutely necessary.
[Human Reproduction, online Nov. 8, 2010]