Male Infertility Cause: Use Of Sunscreen Linked To Weakened Sperm, Scientists Say

Use of sunscreen is regarded as the best defense against skin cancer development, but a new study has linked it to male infertility. Chemical properties found in the sunscreen, which are supposed to effectively filter UV rays, have been determined to affect and weaken men's sperm.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and published in the Endocrine Society journal, revealed that chemicals in sunscreen can disrupt endocrine production in the body. Its chemical components can affect calcium ions that in turn affects the way sperm cells function.

Male Infertility Cause: How Sunscreen Chemicals Affect The Sperm

Researchers tested 29 commonly used sunscreens in Europe and the United States against a live sperm in an environment that mimicked the reproductive system of a women. At least 45 percent of the specimen developed an increase in calcium ions, and researchers saw how this affected the mobility of the sperm.

The researchers determined that the sunscreen chemicals worked like progesterone, the female hormone. Progesterone naturally affects the sperm as helps it bind with the eggs.

However, an added level of chemicals from the sunscreen upsets this biological function even in low amounts. "These results are of concern and might explain in part why unexplained infertility is so prevalent," said lead study author Neils Skakkebaek, via Science Daily.

Are UV filters weakening sperm? Sunscreen could be affecting male fertility, researchers say https://t.co/w1GuJdpKPU pic.twitter.com/qWVJX7N2Ws

— CNN (@CNN) April 14, 2016

Male Infertility Prevention: Should Sunscreen Use Be Stopped?

Skakkabaek's team previously did another research on sunscreen and endocrine disruption, which was published in the journal Embo Reports. Both studies underscored how sunscreen use can have consequences to health.

"When you put sunscreen on the skin, some of the UV filters can penetrate the skin and go into the bloodstream," said Skakkebaek via CNN. Experts note that the risks to skin cancer are more pronounced and proven than the effects of sunscreen to male infertility.

Andrology professor Allan Pacey told CNN that Skakkebaek's study needs more proof. However, if the men would like to lessen sunscreen use because of these findings, Pacey advised protecting the skin though less sun exposure especially during the middle of the day.