If you’ve got allergies, antihistamines may feel like a saving grace. But if you’re trying to have kids, you may want to consider the effects on your testicles.
The link between antihistamines and fertility issues
A new study published in the journal Reproduction found a link between antihistamines and impaired testicular function in animals. According to the researchers, antihistamines appear to interfere with the production of sex hormones in the testicles, which leads to low sperm count, misshapen sperm and sperm that swims poorly.
Other studies have found that male infertility is affected by anabolic steroids, calcium channel blockers and tricyclic antidepressants.
Don’t go off these medications—or your antihistamines quite yet though. There haven’t been enough studies on humans to call it conclusive.
If you’re having issues with infertility, look for lifestyle changes that may help. These including reducing stress, getting plenty of sleep, staying fit, reducing how much alcohol you consume, eating healthy and quitting smoking. Some studies have also found that riding a bicycling regularly or wearing tight underwear may affect sperm, although nothing has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Natural ways to treat allergies
If you’re thinking about taking a natural approach to allergies to see if it helps you and your partner conceive, there are some things you can try:
- Close the windows in your home. The wind can pick up pollen and bring it into your house.
- Install a HEPA filter to clean the air.
- Take a shower after being outdoors and put on fresh clothes to avoid coming into contact with particles you’ve picked up outside.
- Change your clothes and don’t wear them again until you wash them.
- Use a Neti pot to rinse debris or mucus from your naval cavity.
- Clean your house or apartment regularly with natural cleaning products.
- Get an allergy test. Once you know what you’re allergic to you’ll know what to avoid!
