The Copenhagen Analgesic Study

Fundamental aspects of reproductive function are established in fetal life and there is a present increased awareness of the potential effects of fetal exposures on reproductive health of offspring. Experimental studies strongly suggest detrimental effects of prenatal exposure to mild analgesics such as acetaminophen (e.g. paracetamol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid) on male as well as female gonadal development. Declining fertility has become a growing problem in developing countries, potentially resulting in severe socioeconomic challenges, and fetal exposure of mild analgesics causes part of these alarming observations.This is the first prospective human study designed primarily to assess the effect of fetal exposure of mild analgesics on male and female reproductive function.