We get asked a lot about the impact of marijuana on male reproductive health. Here are some findings on the latest research about potential impacts.
- Negatively impacts male reproductive hormones: Men who use marijuana for at least 4 days per week over 6 months have significantly lower testosterone levels compared to men who don’t. Testosterone production from the testicle is critical for normal sperm production as well as sexual function.
- Lowers sperm counts: Men who smoke marijuana more than once per week have been reported to have 29% lower sperm count than men who have never smoked marijuana. A dose-dependent effect of cannabis on sperm counts has been reported.
- Decreased sperm fertilization of female’s eggs: Marijuana use can block the necessary reaction for sperm to bind to the egg and thus decrease fertilization.
References:
- Kolodny RC, Masters WH, Kolodner RM, Toro G. Depression of plasma testosterone levels after chronic intensive marihuana use. N Engl J Med 1974;290:872–4.
- Gundersen TD, Jørgensen N, Andersson AM, Bang AK, Nordkap L, Skakkebæk NE, et al. Association between use of marijuana and male reproductive hormones and semen quality: a study among 1,215 healthy young men. Am J Epidemiol 2015;182:473–81.
- Payne KS, Mazur DJ, Hotaling JM, Pastuszak AW. Cannabis and male fertility: a systematic review. J Urol 2019;202:674–81.
