Ever since recreational marijuana was legalised in the US, multiple studies have come out to explain the various risks and benefits that come with it. Some researchers have primarily focused their investigation on its effect on fertility
Researchers wanted to better understand how it impacts women’s reproductive health. "The most concerning thing is that even though marijuana has the potential to significantly affect the reproductive system there is very little evidence on the actual clinical effects. For this reason, anyone trying to conceive should avoid marijuana," study co-author Sara Ilnitsky, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellow at Western University in London, Ontario, told a news portal.
Here is what you need to know about the relationship between the two:
1. THC acts on our endocannabinoid system: This system is made up of a very complex network of receptors throughout the body that maintains communication with the brain, endocrine tissues, and immune system. "This system is especially prevalent in the reproductive organs of both sexes and plays a critical role in controlling hormones and human reproduction, "Kecia Gaither, an OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine physician at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx, New York, told a news portal. Adding, "THC, one of the major components of marijuana, interferes with the functioning of this communication process."
2. It may reduce sperm count: A 2015 study found the sperm counts of the male participants who smoked marijuana often dropped by 29 per cent. However, another study found men who had used marijuana had a higher sperm count compared to men who had never used it. "This discrepancy in findings demonstrates that there’s a clear need for more research in this area," Ilnitsky told a news portal.
3. Marijuana can disrupt the ovulation cycle: One study found smoking marijuana causes a delay in the ovulation cycle. "High amounts of THC can decrease the production of estrogen and without the high estrogen spike, ovulation will not occur,” Felice Gersh, an OB-GYN and founder of the Integrative Medical Group in Irvine, California, told a news portal.
4. Marijuana could make preexisting fertility issues worse: “Marijuana interferes with the normal functioning of our endocannabinoid system, and that complex biological system is involved with every aspect of fertility-ovulation, tubal transport, readying of the uterine lining, and timing and proper implantation of the embryo at the blastocyst stage,” Gersh told a news portal. Adding, "Consequently, marijuana can potentially take any fertility problem and make it worse, simply by impacting all of these aspects of the reproductive system."
5. Researcher have yet to fully understand the effects of marijuana: “Given the climate of legalization of marijuana, I do foresee a likely increase in research addressing not only the effects on fertility — but also pregnancy outcome from fetuses exposed in utero to the effects of cannabis on their structural, neurological, and intellectual functioning,” Gaither told a news portal.
