Cannabis Use on the Rise – But What About Fertility?

With cannabis (weed) use now more common than ever, questions about its impact on health have become urgent. One area with growing concern is male fertility. Studies increasingly show a link between weed and sperm health, with cannabis male fertility issues emerging as an important topic for many men. If you or someone you know is considering having children, here’s what the latest research reveals.

From Curiosity to Concern

Roughly a decade ago, Dr Alexander Pastuszak, a urologist with special focus on male fertility, began facing the same question from patients again and again: does weed make it harder to have children? At the time, firm evidence was lacking, and experts were unable to give a clear answer.

Now, with attitudes changing and cannabis legalised in most US states for either medicinal or recreational use, usage rates have soared. According to the CDC, an estimated 52.5 million Americans used cannabis at least once in 2021. But despite its popularity, cannabis is still difficult to study, as it remains illegal under federal law, hampering research into potential long-term health and reproductive effects.

What Do the Studies Say About Weed and Sperm?

Recent research, however, is filling in the picture. A 2019 worldwide review, including 48 studies, found a clear link between cannabis use and lower chances of fathering children. THC, the main active compound in cannabis, appears to harm semen quality, and so impacts male fertility directly.

How Does Cannabis Harm Sperm Cells?

Scientists have understood for some time that substances like tobacco and alcohol can damage male reproductive health. But only recently have they observed the specifics of how weed affects sperm.

• Cell Damage: Research shows cannabinoids, such as THC, are toxic to many living cells. Experiments have found that when sperm cells are directly exposed to THC, those cells are harmed or die.
• Shape and Movement: Studies from the 1970s onwards revealed that THC can interfere with the way sperm move and are shaped. More recently, links between weed and sperm have shown that THC can slow sperm down, change their shape, and even damage their genetic information.
• Hijacking Natural Systems: Normally, a natural cannabinoid in the human body called anandamide controls how sperm cells act during fertilisation, making sure only one sperm fertilises an egg. THC hijacks the same receptors as anandamide, potentially disrupting this delicate process.

Key Findings

• A 2019 review found that men who used cannabis had significantly lower sperm counts and concentration, and higher numbers of abnormally shaped sperm.
• A 2020 Jamaican study tied moderate cannabis use to a three-and-a-half times higher risk of sperm abnormalities that lower the chance of successful conception.
• A new study from Jordan found men who used cannabis had sperm with far lower motility (the ability to swim effectively), compared to non-users or tobacco users.

The Role of Mitochondria

Research also reveals that THC attaches to receptors on sperm and damages mitochondria, the parts of the cell that provide energy. Without enough power, sperm struggle to swim towards the egg, reducing fertility further.

Genetic Impact and Future Generations

Animal studies add a worrying dimension. A recent study on rats found that male cannabis use could harm the DNA within sperm, with lasting consequences for the brain development of their offspring. This suggests that the risks of cannabis male fertility issues may pass on to the next generation.

Weed and Sperm: More Risks to Sexual Health

Cannabis doesn’t only affect sperm. High or regular use can also result in further sexual health issues:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Delayed ejaculation
• Decreased long-term sexual desire

Research warns that even using cannabis once a week might be enough to trigger some of these problems.

How Long Should Men Stop Using Cannabis to Support Fertility?

Fertility experts recommend stopping all cannabis use for at least three months before attempting to conceive. This timeframe allows for the production of new, healthier sperm. However, it is worth noting that many men who are heavy users still succeed in having children. Yet evidence points to a higher risk of problems – and the longer, the better when it comes to abstaining.

Switching to edibles or vaping may lower exposure to certain byproducts in smoke, but any product containing THC will deliver the active element into the body and present risk to sperm health.

What Can Men Do for Healthy Sperm?

If conception is a priority, cutting out all cannabis use is best for supporting fertility. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are helpful too, as both optimise sperm health alongside avoiding other substances like tobacco and alcohol.

For those worried about their reproductive health, speaking to a fertility specialist is always wise. Currently, there are no guaranteed methods known to fully undo any DNA or cell damage caused by THC, so prevention is the safest route.

Key Takeaways for Men Concerned About Cannabis and Male Fertility

Weed and sperm health are closely connected, with mounting scientific evidence linking cannabis to lower sperm counts, poor movement, abnormal shapes, and even genetic damage. These impacts can reduce the chances of conception, and might also affect the health of future children. The safest option if you’re planning to start a family is to quit cannabis entirely and focus on healthy living.

Source: New York Times