Is Your Marijuana Habit Hurting Your Chances of Having a Baby?

Marijuana has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. However, its effects on fertility and hormones are still relatively unknown. While some studies have suggested potential benefits, others have suggested potential harms. Overall, data suggest that marijuana use will lower reproductive health over time.

The active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to interfere with hormones in the body. THC can bind to endocannabinoid receptors and can affect the production of hormones necessary for conception, ovulation, and sperm count. In particular, THC can interfere with the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is the system that helps to regulate the production of reproductive hormones.

In men, marijuana use has been associated with decreased sperm quality and quantity and an increased risk of abnormal sperm. In particular, marijuana use has been associated with a decrease in sperm motility (the ability of the sperm to move and swim); this can make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. Marijuana use has also been associated with an increased risk of sperm DNA fragmentation which can cause genetic defects in any resulting offspring.

In women, marijuana use has been associated with a decreased chance of conception. Marijuana use has been associated with altered hormone levels, including a decrease in luteinizing hormone, which is necessary for ovulation. Its use has also been associated with a reduction in cervical mucus, which is vital for sperm to survive. Furthermore, marijuana use has been associated with decreased in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates. A recent study of more than 1,000 patients undergoing IVF found that those who used marijuana had lower pregnancy rates and higher rates of miscarriage compared to those who did not. The researchers concluded that marijuana use might impair the implantation process and reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy.

What about moderate use?

Marijuana use has been linked to a decrease in fertility over time, even with moderate use. A study conducted in 2019 by the journal of Human Reproduction examined the effects of moderate use on reproductive health in over 5,000 women. The study found that women who smoked marijuana two or more times a week had a 20% lower rate of successful conception compared to women who did not use marijuana. Furthermore, women who smoked marijuana two or more times a week had a 22% lower rate of giving birth to a live baby than women who did not use marijuana. The study also found that moderate use was linked to lower levels of hormones that play a role in reproductive health in women. Specifically, moderate marijuana use was linked to a reduction of estrogen levels by 17%, progesterone levels by 23%, and luteinizing hormone levels by 16%.

What about ingesting it instead of smoking?

When THC is orally ingested, it is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly and does not reach peak levels until several hours after consumption. This slower onset of action is thought to be less disruptive to the HPG axis, resulting in fewer irregularities in reproductive hormones. A study conducted in 2018 also found that orally ingested THC had a lesser effect on sperm motility than smoked THC. Overall, the research indicates that orally ingested THC may have a lesser impact on reproductive health than smoked THC. However, more studies are needed to be sure.

Should you stop using marijuana before trying to conceive?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the woman’s overall health, her medical history, and the type and frequency of marijuana use. Generally speaking, it is recommended that women trying to conceive should abstain from all marijuana use for at least three months prior to attempting conception. This is because marijuana has been linked to an increased risk of infertility, lower egg quality, and a decreased chance of successful conception.

When it comes to marijuana, talk to your doctor to discuss what is right for you.

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