It is advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women to reduce or stop cannabis use, and couples trying to conceive should also consider cutting down. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking cigarettes, have been associated with reduced sperm production. However, the effects of smoking cannabis on fertility are not fully understood.
A study found that regular marijuana smoking more than once per week was associated with lower sperm concentration, but no adverse association was found for irregular use. In addition, women who used cannabis more than 90 times in their lifetime or in the year before had fewer eggs retrieved. While there may be confounding factors, it is advisable for couples trying to conceive to consider reducing cannabis use.
During pregnancy, medical authorities recommend that women discontinue marijuana use, as it can pose risks to the developing fetus. Studies have shown links between prenatal marijuana exposure and learning problems later in life, raising concerns about the potential long-term effects on brain development. Pregnant and breastfeeding women who use cannabis should be identified early and advised to decrease or cease cannabis use entirely.
For more information on fertility, you can also check out our articles on Male Fertility and Diet and Dairy Estrogen and Male Fertility
