Excessive use of paracetamol does not cause sexual impotence or facilitate the feminization of male fetuses during pregnancy. False, no scientific research has confirmed this information according to specialists.
Summary of the verification:
A three-minute video shared on social media and WhatsApp groups about the side effects of paracetamol in men and pregnant women carrying male babies has gone viral. The video claims: “Paracetamol would cause neurobehavioral disorders in male babies and a decrease in sexual libido in men who use it in adulthood,” which is false. Health specialists completely reject this claim.
Detailed Verification:
Dr. Ibet Awa states: “The side effects of paracetamol are unrelated to sexual impotence or the cause of homosexuality in boys. Moreover, to engage in sexual activity, one must be in good health and have all their senses functioning.
“Paracetamol is prescribed for fever, which means the person is ill; how could one engage in sexual activity in this state? It is true that all medications have side effects, and excessive use of paracetamol can cause blood thinning, but this does not support these claims.”
Research also shows: “Prolonged use of paracetamol in women may increase the risk of testicular malformations in babies and affect the development of sex hormones in male children.” These are results from health sections of sites like Log, Le Monde, Ouest France, and Huffpost.
Paracetamol is an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic commonly used in self-medication and pediatric care. It is used for treating mild to moderate pain when anti-inflammatory action is not necessary. According to Santé FIGARO, adverse effects of paracetamol are rare but can include allergic skin reactions, hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) at high doses, and liver cell destruction (hepatocellular cytolysis) in case of acute overdose (7g or more in a single dose).
Beware of images, videos, and information circulating on social media as content is often manipulated. This conspiracy video encourages African patients to avoid European pharmaceutical products.
By Cynthia Sagbaté / AFC
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