A pretty popular question on birth forums in Colorado is: “does marijuana effect fertility?” Marijuana is the most popular recreational drug used among people of reproductive age. So researchers at Boston University School of Public Health conducted a study on marijuana and its effects on couples trying to conceive. With recreational marijuana being legal in eight states, it’s no surprise researchers would want to take a deeper look into the effects weed has on fertility.
About The Study
Hopefully by now women understand that the use of recreational drugs should stop once you know or suspect your pregnant. Actually, stopping before you start trying is actually a better idea, but no judgement here! However, studies have shown conflicting results on how marijuana affects fertility.
The study surveyed 4,194 women between the ages of 21 to 45 living in the United States and Canada and weren’t on any forms of birth control. These women were all in (what the report considers) stable relationships and observed over years 2013 through 2017. The women had the option of having their partners participate to which 1,125 males enrolled in the study.
The Results Of The Study
Out of the the 4,194 women, 12 percent of them had reported that they used marijuana within two months before the beginning of the study or baseline survey along with 14 percent of the men. Researchers concluded that after 12 cycles, the conception rates of those that smoked were similar to those that did not smoke weed. There was no significant change.
Even though the conception probabilities were similar, the study didn’t report how much marijuana each individual was taking or consuming and how (edible, vaping, smoking). The study also relied on self reported data which can be faulty. I mean, does a pothead really know how much pot he or she is smoking? Aren’t they forgetful? I know, I know I am stereotyping. I will stop now!
My Opinion
Living in Colorado, it is pretty common for people to smoke weed recreationally. I even get asked questions on whether or not it is safe to do when trying to conceive or during pregnancy. I have nothing against marijuana or marijuana users. I just don’t encourage doing anything that might hurt your chances of becoming pregnant. Nor do I support anything that may potentially have negative effects on the baby you are carrying.
While this study shows that marijuana really doesn’t have an effect on fertility, is it worth the risk? If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more, chances are you have made some serious lifestyle changes in order to achieve pregnancy. If you haven’t made any changes, maybe now is the time to start.
Regardless of whether you have made lifestyle changes or not, if you have been trying to get pregnant and have been unsuccessful, I recommend reading the Pregnancy Miracle. It is a great book to get your body prepared and maybe help you in areas of your health that you haven’t thought of.
So put down that bong or joint and pick up your copy here to find better and safer ways to unwind and relax while getting your body baby ready!
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I think this is a hard one to have out. I’ve heard both side of the argument previously and I think there are far more worse things than weed that are affecting fertility in 2018. Try Wifi, mobile phones and GMO foods.
Great post and fertility health should be discussed more often.
It is a very hard subject to figure out. I know people that are habitual pot users that have several children. On the other hand, I know of a couple that chose to stop while trying to conceive because they were told that the marijuana was affecting the sperm quality. So there are many ways to look at this. You are right though. There are a lot of things that are affecting fertility. The biggest right now is our diets! Thanks for stopping by!
As a smoker myself, it is my strong opinion that marijuana is helpful for many things, such as relieving stress, aiding the symptoms of many mental and physical illnesses, and much more.
However, I think that regardless of how natural it can be, it should still not be used while pregnant. That is my opinion, but everyone is entitled to their own. I don’t think there are enough definitive studies done on this subject to know for sure.
I agree! I don’t think it should be used during pregnancy as well. I just don’t know the effects on fertility prior to conception. When trying to conceive it is important to give your body they best chance possible. Especially if you have been struggling with infertility issues.