How does marijuana use affect future fertility?

Using marijuana can affect your ability to conceive in the future. Here's what scientists say.

What is marijuana?

Cannabis or marijuana is a psychedelic-type drug derived from hemp that many people smoke or mix with everyday foods and drinks to achieve the desired effect. The female cannabis plant produces tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in its buds and leaves, which is a chemical resin with a wide range of uses. It is the most widely used psychotropic drug on the market, second only to alcohol. Most often it is used for recreational purposes, despite other medicinal qualities.

After smoking or consuming cannabis, the blood carries the chemicals of the plant to the brain and other organs.

Depending on the frequency of use, cannabis can have both short-term and long-term effects on the individual. The action of cannabis starts in your brain, causing it to become oversensitive in the areas where most of the receptors are located. This leads to short-term effects by altering normal brain functions.

The long-term effects of chronic cannabis use are also related to the brain. However, studies have shown that long-term use also affects fertility in both men and women.

How does marijuana affect male fertility?

Research on the effects of marijuana on male fertility has come to conflicting conclusions. Some trials involving couples who have undergone in vitro fertilization have shown that the chance of having a baby is lower if the male partner regularly uses cannabis. Others have supported the hypothesis that cannabinoid use does not affect fertility. Until now, research is ongoing on spermatozoa for their ability to fertilize with constant drug use.

Many urologists and sexual health experts recommend abstinence from cannabis for couples who are having trouble conceiving. Some studies show that long-term use of marijuana can lead to an increase in sperm malformations, as well as a decrease in their number and motility. These studies also note the risk of having a child with autism. Despite the fact that the use of cannabis does not make the sperm useless.

Read also: How to increase sperm count

How does marijuana use affect women?

Research has shown that it is not as easy to quantify the effect of cannabis on fertility in women as it is in men.

Continuous use of the drug can interrupt ovulation, delaying the process by several days. Ovulation occurs when there is a hormonal surge of estrogen at the right time during the menstrual cycle. High levels of THC, caused by the constant use of cannabis, affects the production of the hormone. This inhibits the production of estrogen during the menstrual cycle, in turn delaying or stopping ovulation. Thus, the fertilization process is difficult because the egg is usually not available at the expected time.

By and large, the use of cannabis in any form does not lead to fertility problems. However, the underlying problems already present can be exacerbated by its use or abuse.

The normal endocannabinoid system in the body plays a role in everything related to reproduction. Any external influence that interrupts these processes is undesirable.

One of the most recurring problems with chronic marijuana use in women is low libido. This reduces the chances of conceiving a child. In the body, cannabinoids cross the placenta and can lead to irreversible consequences for the baby. He may be born premature, underweight, and in extreme cases, the pregnancy may end in miscarriage or stillbirth.

Read also: 5 ways to increase your sperm count

What is the risk for the child?

Many studies show that parental use of cannabinoids can cause health problems for a child after birth. Some of them: problems with memory, behavior, learning or attention.

Are there any advantages?

On the positive side, small doses of cannabis can help with erectile dysfunction.

Cannabis also boosts a woman's libido if the user doesn't overdo it, making the product sex-friendly and increasing the chances of conception. Although, you may not notice a significant difference compared to ordinary pairs.

It is important to note that the distribution of cannabis is illegal and against public health regulations.In addition, it may contain external contaminants that are potentially harmful to male fertility.