Infertility and Marijuana: Effects on Getting Pregnant

November 6th, 2009 by admin

infertility-and-marijuana Infertility and Marijuana have been known to have a certain link. The plant that is used to derive Marijuana is known as Cannabis Sativa. The term Marijuana literally means pot, grass or weed. This drug is very controversial because it has a profound effect on the human body. There is no doubt that even a small dose of Marijuana could be harmful. The controversy about this drug usually concerns the degree of its harmfulness. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is a psychoactive element that is the most effective in Marijuana. Besides this, there are close to 400 different elements within this narcotic. The potency of Marijuana is dependant on the variety of the plant, THC levels as well as the harvesting conditions. It has been said that Marijuana has become significantly more potent over time. Hashish, which is a derivative of the Marijuana plant, is basically more potent than ordinary Marijuana as a result of a higher THC concentration. This fat-soluble compound can be maintained in the body for up to one month, therefore it has a greater potential to cause harm. Peer pressure is the main cause of experimentation of this drug among the youth.

Besides the psychoactive consequences of Marijuana, there are some biological effects as well. It is likely to be harmful to the reproductive system of humans. Scientific studies have shown that Marijuana could have a temporary negative effect on the fertility of both male and female. Therefore, it is more harmful for adolescents because this is the time when their sexual and general physical development is going on rapidly. No proof has yet been found concerning the damage on chromosomes by Marijuana.

Effects of Marijuana on Male Fertility
Marijuana brings about an obstruction in the mobility of sperm thus reducing sperm count. There is also a significant reduction in the seminal fluid volume. Once more, THC is said to be the main cause of the changes. Some researchers claim that Marijuana may cause some alterations during sperm hyper activation process. The sperm that is sampled from Marijuana smokers tends to move too quickly in the early phase of swimming, thus it gets burned out before fertilization occurs and this induces temporary infertility. However, the effects are not long term. This means that infertility could be reversed if Marijuana use is stopped within thirty days.

Just as in the case of tobacco, Marijuana has certain links to DNA breakage of sperms. These breakages are directly proportional to the frequency of smoking. The more times that one smokes the higher the chances of causing harm to sperm. Although it has been said Marijuana is not as harmful as tobacco, it is able to be metabolized within the liver causing a rise in estrogen levels. This increase consequently could cause an unusual sperm count and movement. Marijuana could further lower the seminal fluid’s antioxidant potential and this has a bad effect on the sperm.

Effects of Marijuana on Fertility of Women
Just as in the case of other drugs, Marijuana has an impact on the placenta. Although it has not been proven whether there are any effects on the fetus or fertility in women, it is recommended that women should keep away from all forms of drugs such as this. Infertility and Marijuana use in women has some relation where, the use of the drug could result in premature births or babies born with low weight.

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