For many years, research has established on marijuana and men’s fertility. That shows sperm contain cannabinoid receptors, implying that cannabis has the ability to alter sperm function. Furthermore, studies have found a strong link between men who use marijuana and lower sperm counts and concentration. In fact, males who use marijuana more than once a week have a nearly 30% decrease in sperm count and concentration. Which has been proven to remain for five to six weeks after they stop using marijuana.
Cannabis use is on the rise, since it has been legal in various states for both medical and recreational purposes. This presents its own set of issues. One of these difficulties is the harmful impact marijuana might have on male fertility.
In studies conducted in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Men who had used marijuana three months prior to providing a sperm sample had an aberrant sperm shape, also known as morphology. This is true even among younger men, those aged 30 and under. Cannabis use, both therapeutic and recreational, reduces sperm motility, or the capacity of sperm to travel efficiently, as well as viability, or how long the sperm live. In this article we will talk how. marijuana impact Men’s Fertility
Ovulation pause
Scientists aren’t clear how marijuana impacts men’s fertility function of women trying to conceive. marijuana influences the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Which regulates the interaction of your sex hormones. THC can reduce the release of luteinizing hormone and prolactin from the pituitary gland in both men and women. These hormones have an impact on your chances of becoming pregnant.
High marijuana doses in women disrupt the menstrual cycle and may delay or prevent ovulation. Cannabinoids suppress the functioning of the HPG axis. Which means that marijuana usage reduces the production of various hormones and can restrict sexual behavior – if your sex drive is low, it may be difficult to conceive.
Regular smokers are at a higher risk of not ovulating at all. According to a 2016 study, marijuana interrupts the menstrual cycle and can result in anovulatory periods (cycles without delay). Marijuana is suspected to have an effect on the generation of luteinizing hormone in women. LH increases female ovulation and regulates testosterone production in men. Men who smoke frequently have lower testosterone levels, and women who smoke frequently have lower LH levels.
Marijuana and Men’s Fertility: Reduced sperm count
Marijuana use, according to the Mayo Clinic, can reduce a man’s sperm count and ability to reproduce. Other studies have suggested that marijuana is harmful to men’s fertility. However, a Harvard study contradicts those findings. Which claims that there is no indication of detrimental impacts on fertility. Researchers obtained blood samples and sperm from hundreds of participants at the Massachusetts General Hospital fertility clinic for the study. Men were asked about their marijuana use in the study. Which lasted from 2000 to 2017. The findings revealed no link between marijuana usage and male fertility.
Because there isn’t a definitive answer, if you have a male partner who smokes, attempt to discourage him from smoking while you’re trying to conceive, especially if his sperm count is low.
Marijuana and Men’s Fertility: Existing fertility issues deteriorate
Although there is no definitive proof that marijuana usage causes infertility. Studies have shown that it can lower sperm count, increase anovulatory cycles, and upset the balance of hormones in the body that promote pregnancy.
Women who smoke marijuana may raise their chances of infertility and increase their chances of miscarriage. Marijuana crosses the placenta and may have an effect on the foetus, while detailed research on the baby’s impact are lacking. To avoid any harmful side effects, you should avoid using marijuana or THC while pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Marijuana and Men’s Fertility: Does Weed Affects Sperm
Endocannabinoid receptors are present in various parts of the male reproductive system, including sperm, testicles, seminal vesicles (responsible for sperm production), erectile tissue, and the central nervous system. These receptors play a role in arousal, sexual function, and sexual behavior. A systematic review conducted in 2019 examined the impact of cannabis use on sperm parameters, revealing both areas of concern and mixed results:
Sperm count and concentration: Animal and human studies indicated a decrease in the total number of sperm and sperm concentration per unit volume with cannabis use. The extent of this effect appeared to be dependent on the quantity consumed, with frequent high doses suggesting a potential link to reduced sperm production.
Sperm morphology: Both animal and human models demonstrated an association between cannabis use and increased sperm defects. However, the genetic material of the sperm remained unaffected.
Sperm motility: Cannabis exposure was found to decrease the ability of sperm to swim, which relies on mitochondrial function (energy production). Once again, this relationship was found to be dependent on the dosage, with higher doses or chronic use demonstrating more significant effects.
Hormones: Cannabis use was associated with a decrease in the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), responsible for testosterone production, from the pituitary gland. However, the effects on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone varied. With FSH declining in response to high doses of marijuana over a four-week period.
These findings on marijuana and men’s fertility suggest that cannabis use may have detrimental effects on sperm parameters. Including sperm count, morphology, motility, and hormone levels. However, it is important to note that the results are not consistently conclusive, and further research is needed to better understand the specific mechanisms and potential long-term consequences of cannabis use on male fertility or marijuana and men’s fertility connections.
Marijuana and Men’s Fertility: The Takeaway
There is significant evidence that erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a side effect of marijuana use in men’s fertility. Long thought to be an aphrodisiac in ancient societies, research now demonstrates that it has a negative impact on sexual function. In instance, in one study on marijuana and men’s fertility shows, 78% of males who reported having ED used marijuana frequently. That compared to only 3% , who did not. Cannabis is thought to cause ED by causing damage to endothelial cells. Which live on the interior surface of blood vessels and serve to maintain an erection.
If you plan to start a family in the near future. You should be aware of the effects marijuana use may have on fertility. If you want to speak with a doctor or get tested about marijuana and men’s fertility. Please contact Urology Associates’ Centre for Male Fertility and Reproductive Medicine.
