Doctors caution on overuse of pain killers

Medical experts have refuted the old wives' tale that excessive use of paracetamol leads to infertility.

Attributing the dissemination of such misinformation to ignorance, medical experts did, however, warn that excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs could affect fertility.

Dr Geetu Meghrajani, Gynaecologist at New Medical Centre in Dubai, said: "Paracetamol is safe to use and it does not cause infertility among women. The only concern is with anti-inflammatory drugs.

"If this is taken in mid-cycle period, during ovulation, it can hinder fertilisation and implantation of the fertilised eggs. However, if it is taken during menstruation, it does not cause any harm."

She added: "Anti-inflammatory drugs are not advisable during the last month of pregnancy. They can cause abnormalities in the foetus. The use of these drugs should be avoided during this stage."

Dr Majidha Firze, Gynaecologist at Welcare Hospital, said: "There is no relationship between paracetamol and infertility in women. It will not cause infertility, but one should not take it regularly.

"One should go to the doctor and get a treatment for the cause of pain, and do not depend on using paracetamol for a long time without a doctor's prescription."

She cautioned: "Anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used during the first three months of pregnancy."

Dr Rehab Awad, Gynaecologist at the American Hospital in Dubai, expressed similar views and assured that there is no relationship between paracetamol and infertility among women.

Maryam Mohammed, a 21-year-old UAE national, said: "I am really worried about this subject. In our college, quite a few of my colleagues are of the opinion that lots of paracetamol is not good and it might affect fertility in the future.

"I don't know what to do because I suffer from constant headaches. Paracetamol is the only resort to soothe the pain."

She added: "My teacher once said that it is not good for me. She said that I might become infertile if I take it for long time."

Fatama Ali, a 24-year-old UAE national, remarked: "It is a really scary thought that the excessive use of paracetamol can lead to infertility. My friends told me this and I was shocked to learn. Paracetamol is the best painkiller, and most of the girls I know use it regularly for all types of pain."

Aisha Khalid, a 19-year-old UAE national, said: "My teacher told me that the excessive use of pain killers might lead to problems in the future.

"She said that paracetamol can cause infertility when I told her that I take two tablets of paracetamol almost every day to get rid of headaches. She advised me not to take it and instead go and get myself checked by a doctor."