Nearly half of all men between forty-five to sixty-nine years old regularly use over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), commonly used as pain medications. Concern over this staggering statistic amplifies when considering the number of diseases traced to the side-effects of taking NSAIDs. Studies published over the last fifteen years link regular NSAID use to hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, Alzheimer’s, dementia, heart attacks, stroke, hearing loss, kidney disease, and poor wound healing. Regular NSAID use consists of millions of people taking these drugs five times or more each week. Multiple studies show a link between regular NSAID use and lowered sperm counts, reduced ability of the male body to produce testosterone, and erectile dysfunction. Medical communities and pharmacy shelves do not properly educate citizens about the dangers associated with over-the-counter drugs that many people consider to be safe for regular consumption.

NSAID Use Associated with Decreased Sperm Count and Erectile DysfunctionA 2017 study published in the journal, Human Reproduction Update, documented sperm quantity and quality of over 42,000 men over a 38-year period spanning 1973-2011. The results determined that these men from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand had a significant decline in sperm counts of 50 – 60%. Is it possible that increased use of NSAIDs over this same time frame played a role? Possibly. The researchers in this study state “sperm count has been plausibly associated with multiple environmental and lifestyle influences, both prenatally and in adult life.” In 2011, the Journal of Urology, showed that regular NSAID use is associated with erectile dysfunction. An incorrect societal norm involves assuming female infertility when a couple struggles to conceive. Growing research indicates that instances of infertility trace back to men more frequently than ever before.

Ibuprofen is an NSAID and one of the most commonly used medications globally. A 2018 study, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed a link exists between NSAID drugs and hormone disruption which suppresses testosterone in males. Ibuprofen can induce a state of compensated hypogonadism within fourteen days of regular use. In other worlds, ibuprofen quickly reduces the ability for the male body to produce the masculine hormone known as testosterone. The most popular NSAIDs include – Alka-Seltzer, aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Disprin, Excedrin, Nu-Seals), ibuprofen (Advil, Brufen, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, Nurofen, Rufen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Vimovo), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Difene, Voltaren, Voltarol), indometacin (Indocid), nabumetone (Relafen, Relifex, Gambaran), piroxicam (Feldene), and COX-2 inhibitors such as etoricoxib (Arcoxia), rofecoxib (Vioxx), celecoxib (Celebrex), and valdecoxib (Bextra). Most people consume these NSAIDs for the sake of musculoskeletal pain, primarily back pain. 85% of the population experiences recurring back pain episodes at some point in their lifetime. A study completed in 2003, in the journal Spine, found that patients with spinal pain who utilized Chiropractic care achieved five times greater pain relief than those who used NSAIDs, and three times greater relief than patients receiving acupuncture. Chiropractic reduces the need for NSAID use and relieves pain by treating the foundational source of most back pain.

A reduction in back pain serves as one of the most common outcomes of nervous system care through regular Chiropractic adjustments. Many other scientifically validated benefits also surface throughout millions of patient reports. Research, science, and clinical case evidence prove that Chiropractic adjustments reduce stress in the nervous system while improving the balance of hormones in the blood and body. The primary goal of Chiropractic does not seek to treat a specific condition. Chiropractic care focuses on improving body function by removing interference from the nervous system. Vertebral biomechanical dysfunction, misaligned vertebrae, less than ideal spinal curves, and less than ideal vertebral movement patterns can result in a stressed nervous system that can lead to the possibility of disease and reduced health potential. Restoring power to the nervous system generates a balance in hormones that links directly to an increase in testosterone and other endocrine system hormones. Chiropractic clinics all over the world regularly report male patients receiving help with fertility and erectile dysfunction problems.

Men often wait until a problem surfaces before facing the inevitable need for help and treatment. Chiropractic offers the opportunity for proactive health that optimizes function and benefits fertility and testosterone potential among many other health benefits. Men answer the daily call to be at their best for their work and family. Maximised potential and performance begin with Chiropractic care.

References:

*Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2018 Jan 23;115(4):E715-E724. Ibuprofen alters human testicular physiology to produce a state of compensated hypogonadism.

*Spine. 2003 Jul 15;28(14):1490-502; discussion 1502-3. Chronic spinal pain: a randomized clinical trial comparing medication, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation.

*Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Nov 1;23(6):646-659. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

*J Urol. 2011 Apr;185(4):1388-93. Regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and erectile dysfunction.