Marijuana harms the sperm

Marijuana harms the sperm

06/17/2014

Much has been suspected of having a negative impact on the fertility of men: alcohol, tight pants, overweight. However, a British study now shows that these factors have little effect on the sperm. Marijuana, however, very well.

Consumption of marijuana can change sperm
According to a British study, marijuana can alter the shape and size of human sperm and thus affect fertility. This is what the researchers at the universities in Sheffield and Manchester write in the journal „Human Reproduction“. In the study, the research team examined how different lifestyles affect the male germ cells. They came to the conclusion that factors such as alcohol, smoking, various underpants or the weight barely noticeable, the consumption of marijuana, however, already. However, these habits could have another negative effect on the sperm, says a joint statement from the universities.

Subjects had long tried to father a child
Scientists searched their subjects in 14 reproductive clinics across the UK. Overall, they studied the ejaculate of 1,970 men. According to a university statement, less than four percent of sperm were normal in 318 of them. Thus, the cells were too small or had a changed shape. Another 1,652 men formed the control group. All subjects were at least 18 years old and should have tried in vain to father a child for at least 12 months. Moreover, they did not know before, how it is about their sperm. The participants were informed by questionnaires from the researchers Allan Pacey asked about different behaviors, characteristics, medical history and drug use.

Abnormalities in semen samples after cannabis use
The experts discovered two „risk factors“. On the one hand, the sperm samples released in the summer (from June to August) showed abnormalities. And secondly, twice as many men in the group with abnormal sperm had used cannabis as in the other group in the three months prior to the examination. Above all, this difference was seen in men under 30 years old. This may also be because older people stoned so little that no exact results were found for them. The sperm quality, however, improved when the men had at least six days before the semen sample had no intercourse. „We know very little about factors that affect sperm size and shape“, So Pacey from Sheffield University in the message. „When men get the diagnosis that their sperm are in bad shape, they need to think about what that might cause.“

Future fathers of the family should not smoke
Therefore, it is reassuring that they found so few risky factors in their study, according to the lead author of the study, Pacey. However, it is not quite clear what influence sperm shape and size have on the fertility of the man. However, a previous study by the same team had shown that only seeds with a good shape can successfully swim through the woman's body to the egg. In addition, studies have shown that deformed sperm could not swim so efficiently. The researchers therefore advise young men, rather not to kiffen, if they want to start a family someday. (Ad)