In a groundbreaking study from Mayo Clinic, it has been found that puberty blockers may have long-lasting effects on fertility in boys. The preprint study, which is yet to undergo peer-review, examined over 130,000 sperm cells from male children suffering from gender dysphoria.

The researchers compared testicular cells from boys who had been on puberty blockers for varying durations, ranging from three to 52 months, to cells from a control group that had not taken these medications. The study revealed that those on puberty blockers exhibited mild to severe "sex gland atrophy," indicating an accelerated aging and dysfunction of testicular cells. These findings challenge the belief that the effects of puberty blockers are reversible.

Additionally, the study discovered instances of microlithiasis, characterized by small clusters of calcium in the testicles. Previous research from Mayo Clinic has linked testicular microlithiasis to an increased risk of testicular cancer. The authors of the study stated, "We provide unprecedented histological evidence revealing detrimental pediatric testicular sex gland responses to [puberty blockers]."

Commenting on the use of puberty blockers, Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, expressed his concern about the growing rush towards gender-affirming treatments without parental approval. He highlighted the stigma faced by children with gender dysphoria but questioned the need for premature treatments.

According to Reuters, the number of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2021 rose to approximately 42,167, almost triple the reported cases in 2017. Dr. Siegel suggested that much of this increase is politically driven and may lead to treatments that are not endorsed in various other countries.

One of the drugs used for puberty blocking is leuprolide, commercially known as Lupron, which is also employed in hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer and to halt early puberty in children, as per WebMD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported 10,000 adverse effects in children in 2017, including mood swings, cognitive problems, suicidal thoughts, fertility issues, seizures, migraines, brittle bones, brain swelling, and vision loss.

Apart from the potential physical risks, experts warn about the mental impacts of these medications as transgender individuals are found to be three times more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and neurodevelopmental issues. Although some studies demonstrate short-term anxiety reduction with the use of puberty blockers, Dr. Siegel pointed out the lack of long-term trials comparing these drugs to extensive therapy and watchful waiting.

Puberty blockers often lead children towards long-term use of transgender-affirming hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which carry their own risks. Estrogen, for example, is associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer. Dr. Siegel firmly stated that puberty blockers should not be routinely administered to children and teenagers with gender dysphoria, emphasizing the importance of delayed hormonal interventions and gender reassignment surgeries in the majority of cases.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, also highlighted the potential reproductive consequences of puberty-blocking drugs. He noted that these medications can disrupt the normal progression of testicular cells, crucial for sperm production and reproductive health, potentially leading to reduced fertility or other reproductive issues later in life. Dr. Osborn emphasized that the changes induced by these medications may be permanent, contrary to common beliefs among transgender activists.

Furthermore, Dr. Osborn urged the development of safer and more effective treatments for those with gender dysphoria. He emphasized the need to fully understand the impact of these medications, as their usage becomes increasingly prevalent, to ensure the well-being of future generations.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers at Mayo Clinic for their comments on the study. For more health-related articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health.