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Home » ARC Advises Men with Fertility Issues to Be Careful With Sunscreen

ARC Advises Men with Fertility Issues to Be Careful With Sunscreen

by | Jan 6, 2015 | News, Press Releases

Certain UV filters absorbed into the skin may affect hormonal processes

Saratoga, CA (January 6, 2015) – Advanced Reproductive Care Inc. (ARC) [www.arcfertility.com], the largest network of fertility specialists in the United States and a pioneer in reproductive medicine, is advising men to moderate their use of sunscreen if they are trying to conceive.

A preliminary study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center in New York reveals that benzophenone (BP) type ultraviolet (UV) filters, which include nearly 30 chemicals that are often found in sunscreens as well as other cosmetic products, may cause male infertility. Researchers discovered that men who were highly exposed to UV filters 4OH-BP or BP-2 had a 30 percent decline in the biological capability of a person to reproduce.

“Sunscreen is an important tool to prevent skin cancer, but this research shows that it can also be a barrier to successfully fathering a child,” says Dr. David Adamson, founder and CEO of ARC. “Many people think of infertility as a ‘women’s issue,’ but the reality is that it affects men, as well.”

While this study is preliminary and shows no clear link to a cause of infertility, simple precautions can be taken to reduce infertility risks for men. We are recommending that men who use sunscreen wash their faces and hands when they come out of the sun and try to reduce use of products that contain benzophenone.

“By no means should sunscreen be avoided. It plays an important role in protecting us against skin cancer and should be used along with other filters for UV rays, such as light clothing, sun shades and hats when exposed to the bright sun,” Dr. Adamson adds. “But for people hoping to have a child, avoiding these chemicals is something that should be considered.”

About Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc. (ARC)

With more than 17 years of experience, Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc. (ARC) provides affordable, evidence-based fertility treatment packages and financing options to people living with infertility. Founded by world-renowned, Stanford-trained, board certified reproductive endocrinologist Dr. David Adamson, ARC offers the largest network of board-certified fertility specialists in the United States. To check out our exciting new and improved website, please visit www.arcfertility.com.

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