When people who abuse drugs attempt to reproduce, the effort can become futile. This is because, according to medically reviewed research by The Recovery Village, substances like cocaine, tobacco, and even testosterone can negatively affect the body systems responsible for reproduction. Drug misuse can also lead to an unhealthy lifestyle which will make the creation of pregnancy difficult.
Although the duration and frequency to which a person misuse drugs will determine the extent their fertility will be affected, here are 5 ways substance abuse affects fertility:
- Leads to low sex drive
Using illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, and amphetamines can lead to a loss of interest in sex, reduced pleasurable sex, or inability to have sex. Tommy’s.org, a pregnancy information hub guided by National Pregnancy Information Service Advisory Board, shared that males who use these illicit substances like cocaine could have problems with having an erection and sex while women could lack sex drive.
- Decreases sperm production
Cleaveland Clinic revealed that the active ingredient in substances like marijuana often leads to the reduction of sperm. A study conducted by Healthy Male and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health further shared that other substances like tobacco also have similar effects on the male body – less sperm production.
According to the same source, smokers produce 20 percent lower sperm than their male counterparts who do not smoke. Thus, the ability of substance abusers to create a pregnancy is reduced. This is because the drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and tobacco affect the sperm’s ability to swim effectively to fertilise an egg.
- Decreases sperm quality
Aside from reduced sperm production, male drug abusers often have a reduced sperm quality. Substances like opiates when used long-term, can disrupt the signals that control testosterone production in the body leading to low testosterone and decreasing the quality of the sperm. The number of abnormally shaped sperms is also increased in males who use cocaine.
- Causes irregular or no menstrual periods
The use of tobacco, opioids, and alcohol has been shown to cause irregular or no menstrual periods in women, which leads to a delayed pregnancy by more than a year on average.
- Generates hormone dysregulation
Tommy’s pregnancy hub revealed that substances like cannabis, when used regularly, can cause hormone dysregulation, also known as unbalanced hormones, in women, making it less likely for them to ovulate, which is vital for pregnancy.
Aside from the many ways substance abuse could prevent pregnancy, it could also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or other birth defectives. This is why it is paramount to desist from drug misuse and engage in productive activities like aiding initiatives such as the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) to fight against drug abuse among young people.
