Given the present scenario in which the use of recreational drugs is already legalised in some parts of the world, studies are proving that taking or smoking marijuana may harm an individual’s efforts to conceive. Even substances like caffeine can have lasting effects on an unborn child; then just think about what can cannabinoids do to your fertility and unborn child.
Marijuana and female fertility is a much-discussed topic in the medical circle. Many studies show that taking marijuana can have a severe effect on the female reproductive system. Tetrahydrocannabinol is an active ingredient present in marijuana. This can stay in our body for a long time and will affect our body receptors called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors help to regulate various functions, including the brain and reproductive organs in both men and women.
Continue to read further to learn about how abusing substances like marijuana can affect fertility.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found in many types of cells and plays an important role in regulating female reproductive functions. It’s located in parts of the brain that produce important hormones controlling the female reproductive system.
Usage of substances and THC can affect various reproductive processes, such as hormone release and ovulation. For example, long-term exposure to cannabis in females can delay sexual development, disrupt menstrual cycles, and lower hormone levels.
Our body produces endocannabinoids, and their levels are carefully managed by enzymes. However, using an external substance like THC can affect this balance and may lead to fertility issues.
The menstrual cycle, a key part of female reproductive health, is controlled by hormones and has two main phases: the follicular and luteal phases. The cycle starts with menstruation, during which hormone levels (like oestradiol) gradually rise.
Around the middle of the cycle, there’s a hormone spike that triggers ovulation. After ovulation, the luteal phase begins with progesterone and oestradiol reaching the highest levels. Some studies suggest that marijuana use may hinder this process, causing problems like delays in ovulations or changes in the cycle, particularly in the luteal phase. This will affect fertility.
If you are someone who uses marijuana, you must understand the potential risks they can create to your fertility and your baby’s development. Studies have shown that it can impact ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and potentially affect fertility. Take a look at some of the risks involved:
A study revealed a 29% reduction in total sperm count among men who smoked marijuana more than once a week over 3 months. This can reduce the likelihood of a fertilised egg, which will impact getting pregnant.
Timing is very important when you are trying to get pregnant, most importantly for a woman. Research has shown that occasional or frequent use of marijuana can delay ovulation. This delay in the ovulation process will affect your hormones, which will affect your menstrual cycle. In some cases, marijuana use has been linked to anovulatory cycles where ovulation doesn’t occur, further reducing the chances of pregnancy.
Studies have shown how the usage of marijuana impacts female reproductive health is fast becoming a highly concerning topic. Short- and long-term exposure to high levels of THC can disrupt ovulation, cause imbalances in hormones, and lead to menstrual irregularities.
If you are someone who is undergoing treatments like IVF, the usage of cannabinoids could significantly affect success rates. Women who consumed marijuana within a year of IVF treatment had fewer eggs retrieved and fertilised, reducing their chances of successful pregnancies.
Consumption of marijuana during pregnancy can cause several potential risks to both the mother and the growing fetus. The use of marijuana by pregnant women to manage or control nausea or anxiety may lead to a variety of complications affecting fetal growth and development.
The first and most associated with the usage of harmful substances are fetal growth restriction and low birth weight. Babies born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy may weigh significantly less than those of non-users.
Preterm birth is another concern. Pregnant women who use marijuana at least weekly during pregnancy have an increased negative impact of delivering prematurely. This risk is significant because premature babies often face a host of medical challenges.
Neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes in children exposed to marijuana in utero are at high risk of developing health issues. Research has shown that prenatal marijuana exposure can affect the neurobiological development of the baby. Such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Managing your well-being should be your priority for getting pregnant, and it’s important to understand how lifestyle choices, like marijuana, may pose potential health risks.
One of the concerns is its impact on mental health, as marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of conditions such as social anxiety disorders and hallucinations. This can significantly affect a person’s emotional stability when planning for pregnancy.
While cannabis may have some medical benefits, it’s essential to be aware of its potential risks, especially when trying to conceive and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
We all want the best for our babies and our future. So, if you are planning to get pregnant, making informed and healthy choices is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the well-being of both you and your future child. This means evaluating your current habits, including lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, to create an optimal mindset and environment for pregnancy.
Make wise choices for your pregnancy. If you’re unsure about your habits or need guidance, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalised advice and support a healthy pregnancy and a bright future for your child.
Marijuana, especially its major component, THC, may disrupt the regular pattern of ovulation. Both one-off and chronic marijuana use may have effects on ovulation and even during anovulatory cycles to some extent (no ovum is released). This can compromise the prospects of getting pregnant, as there is a proper time during the efforts of conceiving that, when attempted, chances of success increase.
The THC in the endocannabinoid system of the body is found to be closely associated with reproduction and hormone functions. With time, continued cannabis use can lead to the disturbance of the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) balance. LH and FSH are hormones necessary for ovulation and the menstrual cycle. With these hormones, women may experience irregular menstruation, lowered levels of reproductive hormones, and even delayed sexual maturation.
Certainly, there have been reports claiming that fetal exposure to cannabis can cause several complications. Some of these are low weight at birth, preterm births, and poor fetal growth and development. There is also some new evidence that suggests that there may be neurodevelopmental issues for the child, such as an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder and learning problems. Other research findings suggest that it’s better to avoid cannabis entirely, as pregnancy and breastfeeding have their repercussions.
