Potential Negative Effect of Diaper on the Fertility in Adulthood
Eliezer Girsh
ABSTRACT
This article rises a hypothesis and research question, not a proven conclusion. We propose that the use of disposable diapers for newborns and infants may lead reproductive harm in adulthood. Modern diapers feature the same original design as first baby diaper 70 years ago, which contains one unit of disposable material wrapped around the perineum to collect urine and feces. This design results in an increase in internal area temperatures by 2-4 °C, which can be detrimental to the function and development of reproductive cells. Moreover, the standard diaper template promotes the free passage of feces, including fecal bacteria contacting with the genitals, which can lead to urogenital infection and reproductive impairments in both sexes. The available clinical data suggest that diaper use during infancy may have a negative impact on fertility after puberty. There is a critical need for additional studies to better assess the impact of diapers on reproductive health.
