A recent study from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark suggests sunscreen may contribute to male infertility, as nearly half of its ingredients can disrupt normal sperm function.
In Europe and the US, 31 UV-filtering ingredients are approved for sunscreen products. Researchers tested 29 of these while collecting sperm samples from healthy male donors.In the experiment, scientists placed sperm in a solution mimicking the female fallopian tube environment and added various sunscreen ingredients.
Results showed that 13 ingredients (45%) disrupted sperm function, impairing motility. Nine of these compounds mimicked progesterone.When sperm cells encounter progesterone, it triggers a massive influx of calcium ions into the cells, hindering their ability to fertilize an egg. Lead researcher Professor Nils Skabel noted that these compounds begin affecting sperm at very low doses, even below the levels absorbed after applying sunscreen products to the entire body.
Chemicals permitted for market use that interfere with sperm function include avobenzone (currently considered one of the most important sunscreen ingredients), homosalate, oxybenzone, salicylates, sodium cinnamate, octocrylene, octinoxate, and octyl methoxycinnamate.Beyond sunscreens, these ingredients are widely used in personal care products with sun protection, such as sun-protective cosmetics, moisturizers, and lip balms.
Based on the study's conclusions, if sunscreen products contain estrogen-like chemicals, they could indeed adversely affect male sperm function. However, the extent of impact depends on usage frequency. Occasional use should not cause undue alarm, but prolonged exposure to such sunscreens warrants preconception testing when planning pregnancy.
The significance of this study lies in its novel perspective on male reproductive health, raising awareness about this issue and encouraging reduced exposure to related products to enhance male fertility. Given estrogen's impact on male reproductive health, men should minimize consumption of estrogen-rich foods like soybeans, black beans, and other legumes.Additionally, toad oil (also known as snow frog oil or tree frog oil) contains high levels of estrogen and is not recommended for male consumption. Men should also avoid exposure to harmful environmental factors like radiation and formaldehyde, limit intake of pesticide-laden foods, and refrain from saunas to protect sperm health.