An Overview Of The Effects Of Marijuana On Fertility And Reproductive Health

Undoubtedly, even a moderate dose of this drug is regarded by many as not safe. The controversy is all about the extent to which it is harmful. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most effective psychoactive element of Marijuana. But apart from this, there are about 400 other elements in this drug. The strength of marijuana depends on the type of plant, conditions during harvesting, and the amount of THC present in it.

It is believed that Marijuana has become much stronger with the passing of time. Hashish, one of the products of Marijuana plant, is generally stronger than crude Marijuana because of greater concentration of THC. It is fat-soluble and stays in the body for about a month, so has more potential to cause danger. Peer pressure is one of the main reasons why many young people experiment with the drug.

Apart from its psychoactive effects, it also has biological effects. Constant intake can harm the human reproductive system. Certain scientific research studies show that Marijuana can cause temporary loss of both male and female fertility. So, it can be especially dangerous for adolescents, as this is the period when both their physical and sexual development is very fast. There is no proof that Marijuana causes chromosome damage.

Effects of Marijuana on Male Fertility

Marijuana causes obstruction in sperm motility and can reduce the sperm count, thus decreasing its effectiveness. It also decreases the volume of seminal fluid. Again, THC is supposed to cause these changes. According to some researchers, Marijuana can cause changes in the process of hyper activation of sperm. The sperm of Marijuana smokers moves too fast at the early stage of swimming and burns out even before the process of fertilization, thus causing temporary infertility. But these effects are not permanent and can be reversed within 30 days of stopping the use or consumption of Marijuana.

Like tobacco, Marijuana is also associated with the break in the DNA of sperm. These breaks occur in the proportion to the regularity of smoking. So the more you smoke, the more damage you are causing to your sperm. Though the ill effects of Marijuana are not greater than that of tobacco, because it is metabolized in the liver, it can cause increased levels of estrogen. This increased level of estrogen in consequence may increase abnormal sperm count and sperm motility. Marijuana can also affect the antioxidant potential of the seminal fluid by lowering it, which can affect the sperm negatively.

Effects of Marijuana on Female Fertility

Like other drugs, Marijuana also crosses the placenta. Though it is not known whether it affects the fetus or female fertility in any way, it is advisable to women not to indulge in drug-taking, especially when trying to conceive. Maternal use of Marijuana can cause birth of premature babies and low birth weights.

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