Marijuana and fertility

Marijuana may cause fertility problems in men and women. It reduces sperm count in men and disrupts the normal ovulation cycle in women leading to menstrual irregularities.

Marijuana and male fertility

Male users of marijuana find that they have a lower sperm count, poor quality sperm and less semen. This may affect their fertility which is bad news if they are looking to start a family.

It appears to be the case that certain substances in marijuana, in particular, tetrahydrocannabinols (THC’s), have an adverse affect upon sperm.

They interfere with normal sperm motility and behaviour to the extent that the sperm swim too early and too fast. This means that the sperm are over-stimulated and exhausted by the time they reach the egg and are unable to fertilise it.

This abnormal behaviour is one of several causes of infertility.

What has also been found is that high levels of THC’s cause problems with the cap-like structure over the head of sperm called the ‘acronome’.

Acronome

This acts as a storage container for enzymes which are released once the sperm comes into contact with an egg, enabling it to attach itself and fuse with its surroundings.

But THC’s cause an abnormality with the acronome which prevents the sperm from fusing with the egg and causing fertilisation.

Marijuana and borderline fertility

There are men who smoke marijuana who are also fathers so it is possible to conceive whilst doing so.

But, it may be the case that the men who are most at risk are those with low fertility levels which means that they are most at risk of become infertile.

Marijuana may the thing which pushes them over the borderline into infertility.

Do fertility levels return to normal if the man stops smoking marijuana? More research is needed to prove or disprove this.

If you are a man who smokes marijuana and is trying to start a family then it may be better to stop to reduce the risk of infertility.

Marijuana and female fertility

Women who smoke marijuana may find that this affects their ovulation cycle. Small amounts of the primary chemical tetrahydrocannabinols (THC’s) are found in vaginal mucus and in smaller quantities in their reproductive organs, e.g. uterus.

These amounts of THC’s affect any sperm they come into contact with. They cause them to become over-stimulated and break down before they reach the egg. This prevents fertilisation and conception.

Marijuana can cause irregular or missed periods. However, some women claim that it increases blood flow which reduces painful cramping.

If you are a woman who uses marijuana and wants to have children then you may want to reconsider using it. Marijuana does have an effect on ovulation which is not good news for your fertility.