Sunscreen may act as male contraceptive: Study

Do you lather yourself with sunscreen to keep out that tanning? Beware! According to a

new study, sunscreens are likely to impair sperm cell function, acting as a male

contraceptive and lower a man’s chances of parenthood.

The findings of the study showed that many ultra-violet (UV) filtering chemicals

commonly used in sunscreens interfere with the function of human sperm cells, and some

mimic the effect of the female hormone progesterone. Sunscreen impairs sperm function

by seeping through the skin and into the rest of the body, the researchers explained.

UV-filtering chemicals were found in almost all urine samples and some blood samples.

“These results are of concern and might explain in part why unexplained infertility is so

prevalent,” said one of the researchers Niels Skakkebaek, professor at the University of

Copenhagen in Denmark.

To examine how UV-filtering chemicals affect healthy sperm, the team tested 29 of the

31 UV filters allowed in sunscreens on healthy human sperm cells, in a buffer solution

that resembled the conditions in female fallopian tubes.

The team concentrated on calcium signalling – particularly the sperm-specific calcium

ion channel called CatSper, which binds to the female hormone progesterone to control

sperm cell fertilisation functions like sperm motility. The results revealed that 45 per

cent, of the 29 UV filters tested in the study interfered with the normal functioning of the

sperm cell.

Also, 13 UV filters triggered a surge in the movement of calcium ions within sperm cells

during binding with progesterone.

“This effect began at very low doses of the chemicals, below the levels of some UV

filters found in people after whole-body application of sunscreens,” Skakkebaek said.

The study suggests that regulatory agencies should have a closer look at the effects of UV

filters on fertility before approval, the researchers concluded. Results of the study were

presented at the ongoing Endocrine Society’s 98th annual meeting in Boston, US. Source:

The Indian Express