Musk is the secretion of the gland sac between the navel and the reproductive organs of male musk deer in the musk family. After drying, it is not only a precious spice but also a valuable medicinal material. In addition to promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, promoting meridian flow, and awakening the mind, it can also be used to induce labor. So, does musk cause infertility?
Musk has a long history of use in China and has always been a high-grade spice. A small amount can fragrance a room for a long time. Musk contains muscone, which is volatile. The uterus is particularly sensitive during pregnancy, and prolonged contact with musk on the skin of pregnant women can stimulate uterine contractions and miscarriage.
Musk is a central nervous system stimulant. It is made into emergency drugs such as cardiac stimulants and stimulants in Western medicine, and it has functions such as promoting blood circulation, relaxing smooth muscles, and inducing abortion in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a drug that pregnant women should avoid.
Studies have also shown that natural musk can stimulate the uterus, increase uterine contractions, and have anti-implantation and anti-early pregnancy effects, which means it has contraceptive effects. However, this effect is not immediate, and it only works with long-term use.
The medicinal properties of natural musk are relatively strong, and it can indeed cause miscarriage in pregnant women. However, what we see in daily life is mostly artificial musk, which is a substitute for natural musk. The musk we usually come into contact with is usually artificial musk.
Although it can have adverse effects on pregnant women, it is not as serious as portrayed in TV dramas, and smelling musk does not immediately cause a miscarriage. The harm of artificial musk is not as great as that of natural musk, and the proportion added to perfumes and other products is relatively small, so it does not pose a risk to ordinary people's health.
Generally speaking, only pregnant women who are immersed in the aroma of musk for a long time will have the opportunity to induce a miscarriage. Occasionally smelling the scent of musk perfume or musk ointment will not cause a miscarriage, but it is recommended that pregnant women try to avoid it.
For women of childbearing age who are in good health and have a good physical condition, long-term exposure to musk may also cause infertility. If you are planning to conceive or are already pregnant, it is best to avoid using perfumes that contain musk and cosmetics that contain artificial musk.
It is worth mentioning that our summer mosquito repellent - "hua luo shui" also contains artificial musk. So for safety reasons, it is best for pregnant women to stay away from musk.
