More Pot, Less Sperm

There is a recognition that poor health is associated with poor fertility.  This applies to both men and women.  People need to eat right, sleep enough and take care of their bodies not only because it supports medical health, (ie, more energy, less illness) but because it also supports their reproductive health.   Now it turns out that too much partying can affect sperm production as well.

A 2015 study by Gunderson et al from the American Journal of epidemiology presents some compelling evidence that use of Marijuana can affect sperm production.      Per the study, “A total of 1,215 young Danish men aged 18–28 years were recruited between 2008 and 2012 when they attended a compulsory medical examination to determine their fitness for military service.”      

Recruited individuals answered questionnaires regarding recreational drug use during the prior 3 months.  Almost half of the recruits had used marijuana within a three month period prior to the study. 

 Findings revealed that men who smoked pot more than once a week had almost a 30% lower sperm concentration and total sperm count.    Using marijuana in addition to other recreational drugs was a associate with about a 50% lower sperm concentration.

Like alcohol, marijuana is now legal in several states.     Messages abound about drinking responsibly.  That same messaging has not surfaced to the same degree for marijuana.   Just like exercise and proper nutrition, abstinence from or moderation in the use of recreational substances is advisable to maintain both your general and your reproductive health.