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Effects Of Drug Use On Fertility And Reproductive Health

Drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and steroids are prone to affect the reproductive systems of both male and female negatively and can play a significant role in many unsolved fertility cases ...

Many times, the use of recreational and prescription drugs can lead to infertility while users remain unaware of this.

Drugs such as alcohol, tobacco and steroids are prone to affect the reproductive systems of both male and female negatively.

It has been estimated that the use of drugs can play a significant role in many unsolved fertility cases.

Prescription Drugs and Reproductive Organ

Sometimes drugs prescribed for treating particular illnesses and diseases may have a negative effect on the reproductive organs of both males and females. The most common side effect of drugs such as steroid shots, high blood pressure medicine and antidepressants is loss of libido. Besides these, drugs can also cause:

• Lowered sperm count
• Erectile dysfunction
• Menstrual irregularities

Effects of Alcohol on Fertility

Excessive consumption of alcohol has a negative effect on both male and female fertility. Both men and women having more than six alcoholic beverages daily have more chances of suffering from hormonal imbalances. Thus, sperm and ovulation both are affected.

Heavy drinking may cause luteal phase defects, anovulation and amenorrhea in women and decreased sperm count and sperm morphology in men.

Even moderate drinking in men may harm sperm morphology and can cause some hormonal imbalances in women.

Effects of Tobacco on Fertility

The harmful effects of tobacco are known to most of men and women during pregnancy. But, the potential of tobacco to affect the chances of conceiving are identified by only a few people.

It has been found in studies that smoking or chewing tobacco usually leads to low sperm count and poor sperm motility in men. Thus, it may reduce a couple’s chances of conceiving to a great extent. Women smokers are also at more risk of suffering from a miscarriage or stillbirth due to reduced ovarian reserve and chromosomal abnormalities.

Effects of Marijuana on Fertility

Marijuana is also reportedly considered responsible for infertility in men and women. According to a research conducted on regular cannabis smokers, cannabis can lead to extreme effects on male fertility. Also, sperm that enter the vaginal canal may get over stimulated due to active ingredient of marijuana i.e. tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It in turn leads to a slowing down of sperm on approaching the egg and thus, prevents sperm from breaking the outer casing of the egg.

Similarly, female fertility also does not seem to remain unaffected from regular use of marijuana. A small amount of THC is emitted by women in their vaginal fluid and it can also be found in their reproductive system.

Effects of Steroids on Fertility

Since anabolic steroids are derived from the male hormone testosterone, its use can severely effect the reproductive system of both sexes. It may even effect fertility permanently. The negative effects of steroids in men include:

• reduced sperm production
• increase in abnormal sperm numbers
• erectile dysfunction

Steroids use may also have a negative effect on female fertility. It may results in the release of luteinizing and follicle hormone, which are required for ovulation. Besides, it disrupts menstruation and can cause masculine traits to manifest.

The use of other drugs like cocaine, heroin and ecstasy are also considered to have an adverse effect on both male and female fertility. It may lead to long term reproductive problems and may prevent couples from conceiving.

Next article: Infertility Issues Causes And Treatment

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