Preseed.com Blog

Recent studies in several medical journals have underlined the damaging effects of marijuana on male reproduction. Smoking marijuana can lead to reduced sperm counts and male infertility. This is because sperm have a receptor that actually binds with the marijuana’s chemical, THC and this then impacts the sperm motility (swimming), and acrosome reaction (changes that allow sperm to bind to the egg).  More and more medical research shows a deleterious impact of marijuana on basic sperm cell physiology.  For example, a study in last month’s Fertility & Sterility (Badawy et al., June 2009) showed that the THC in marijuana inhibited oxygen use by the sperm’s mitochondria, blocking the sperm cell’s respiration.  The mitochondria are critical for sperm swimming and motility. The mechanisms of marijuana toxicity on sperm and male fertility are becoming better understood, adding to the bottom line that POT is BAD for sperm and should not be part of your TTC journey.  In fact, if you have been a heavy smoker and are planning on TTC, I would strongly recommend you have a sperm analysis, including a sperm chromatin assay (read my FAQ on this); and start taking a fertility supplement like FertilAid.  You should also quit smoking at least 90 days before you start having unprotected intercourse, to let the sperm cycle replenish itself.   

Take Care-
Dr. E