Marijuana and its effect on male fertility

By JC Trussell, MD

marijuanaMarijuana (cannabis) is the most commonly used drug in the world, with an estimated annual prevalence of 3.8% of the adult population.

Overall, there has been a trend toward laxity in cannabis regulations as is evident by the recent passage of laws allowing recreational use in several states in the U.S. Since cannabis use tends to be more prevalent among those of reproductive age, the effect of cannabis on male reproduction must be evaluated. Research looking at the effect of cannabis on becoming a dad, is at best, confusing.

First the bad news.

Most research, according to this official source,  indicates that marijuana has a negative effect on sperm and therefore on male fertility. A 2015 study of 1,215 young Danish men (aged 18 to 28 years) who regularly used marijuana —more than once per week — was associated with a 28% lower sperm count.

This was in contrast to other men who did not use marijuana or, used it less than weekly.

Making matters worse, the combined use of marijuana (more than once per week) and other recreational drugs reduced the sperm count by 52%. Secondly, a 2011 study reported that chronic exposure to THC — the main psychoactive constituent of marijuana — impaired both sperm count and motility. Lastly, a 2014 study reported that the use of cannabis among young men, within three months of a semen analysis, was a risk factor for poor sperm quality. Even older studies have demonstrated similar findings. For instance, a 1985 study reported that chronic marijuana users (“chronic” was not defined) had a decline in sperm volume, count and motility.

Now the good news.

A survey of U.S. couples attempting to conceive demonstrated no association between never-smokers and the marijuana users and time to conception. People can also make use of  Medical Cannabis and Alzheimer’s Disease which could be helpful in dealing with many medical conditions.

The takeaway.

Clinicians should not advise that marijuana is safe while trying to conceive. Use of marijuana appears to have a negative effect on male fertility: worsening sperm count, motility and shape. On the other hand, the good news is that the effects do not seem to be permanent and may not affect most couples’ time to pregnancy.

JC Trussell is a urologist at SUNY Urology and a SUNY Upstate. His specializes in andrology, erectile dysfunction, peyronie’s disease and male infertility.