Use of Personal Care Products and Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study in Young Danish Men

Abstract

Personal care products (PCPs) may contain multiple chemicals capable of harming male reproductive function. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess aggregated PCP exposure and potential associations with measures of semen quality in young men. Participants (n = 1058, age 18–21) were sampled among young men from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC). Upon recruitment in 2017–2019, each man answered an online questionnaire and provided a semen sample. Exposure to 12 common types of PCPs was derived from the questionnaire, and the extent of use and co-use was analyzed. We applied a negative binomial regression model to estimate percentage differences in semen parameters between low, medium and high PCP exposure groups. All participants were exposed to at least one PCP more than once a week, resulting in a mean number (SD) of 5.3 (2.0) PCPs currently used. Most participants (92%) were also exposed to fragranced products on a weekly basis. Little association was observed between aggregated exposure to PCPs and sperm concentration, total sperm count, semen volume, sperm motility and morphology. Despite prevalent use of multiple PCPs, we found little indication of adverse effects of aggregated overall or fragranced PCP exposure on semen quality.

Trend of change of sperm count and concentration over the last two decades: A systematic review and meta‐regression analysis

“…Forty‐six papers were published in the 2000–2013 period (selected from the review of Levine et al.) and further 19 papers were identified during the period 2014–2020 22–40 (Figure 1).…”

“…Two authors reviewed the papers and independently selected the articles eligible for systematic review, and discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Then, we selected 19 papers 22–40 published in the 2000–2013 period. As regards the articles published in the 2000–2013 period, we identified 46 papers from the review by Levine et al.…”

Endocrine Disruptors and Infertility

“…The psychological, social, and economic consequences of reduced male capacity to have children are often severe and extend beyond individuals to entire families and society at large. The previously discussed subject of decline in male fertility is no longer controversial because many studies over the past 10 years have shown a decrease in semen quality [4,[17][18][19]. EDCs affect the maturation, function, and viability of sperm by acting directly on the sperm or altering the function of the epididymis as well as the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg.…”

“…These products contain many components such as phthalates, parabens, UV filters, polycylic musks, antimicrobials, formaldehyde, which are used different purposes. In addition, many cosmetic products contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, antimony, chromium, arsenic, mercury, nickel as ingredient or impurities [18,67]. The main route of exposure is through the skin and through inhalation.…”

“…This is because of the many substances in cosmetics and UV filters that have endocrine active properties that affect directly damaging the testicular tissue. Recently, Peterson et al [18] investigated the cosmetic exposure and associations with measures of semen quality in young Danish men. Despite the widespread use of multiple products, they found little an association with semen quality.…”