Consuming Marijuana May Cause Male Infertility

According to a recent study, consumption of Marijuana may harm male fertility, especially in young men. The study showed that Marijuana affects the size and shape of the sperm. A research team from the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester investigated how common lifestyle factors influence the size and shape of sperm. Nearly 2,249 men participated in the study, from 14 fertility clinics around the UK. The participants were asked to fill out detailed questionnaires about their medical history and their lifestyle.Out of all the participants, the Reliable data about sperm morphology was only available for 1,970 men. According to medical definitions, if the ejaculates consist more than 4 percent of normal sized and shaped sperms, in that case it is considered normal. Anything below 4 percent in not passed as normal. Almost 300 men fell below the normal level, rest were above the 4 percent mark. It was also found that the sperm size and shape was worse in samples ejaculated during summers but was better in men who had abstained from sexual activity for more than six days. "Our knowledge of factors that influence sperm size and shape is very limited, yet faced with a diagnosis of poor sperm morphology, many men are concerned to try and identify any factors in their lifestyle that could be causing this," said Dr Allan Pacey, Senior Lecturer in Andrology at the University of Sheffield."It is therefore reassuring to find that there are very few identifiable risks, although our data suggests that cannabis users might be advised to stop using the drug if they are planning to try and start a family," said Pacey. Laboratory studies suggest that sperm with poor morphology swim less well because their abnormal shape makes them less efficient. The study was published in the journal Human Reproduction.Inputs from PTI