Systematic review finds cannabis may negatively affect male fertility
A systematic review found the strongest evidence that cannabis reduces sperm count and concentration, induces abnormal sperm morphology, reduces motility, and inhibits fertilizing capacity, though testosterone effects remain unclear.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis was associated with reduced sperm count and concentration, abnormal morphology, reduced motility and viability, and inhibited capacitation and fertilizing capacity. Animal models showed testicular atrophy and reduced libido, but these have not been replicated in humans. Effects on testosterone were inconclusive.
Key Numbers
Cannabis associated with reduced sperm count and concentration, abnormal morphology, reduced motility and viability. Luteinizing hormone levels were lowered. Follicle-stimulating hormone unchanged. Testosterone effects inconclusive.
How They Did This
Systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE literature examining cannabis effects on male fertility, covering human and animal studies.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis use is prominent among males of reproductive age, and many users may be unaware of potential fertility effects. This consolidation of evidence provides a clearer picture of what is and is not established.
The Bigger Picture
Male fertility has been declining globally for decades. If cannabis contributes to this trend, it is a modifiable risk factor that men trying to conceive could address.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Many findings are from animal studies that have not been replicated in humans. Human studies varied in design and cannabis exposure measures. The review did not conduct a meta-analysis.
Questions This Raises
- ?Are the sperm effects reversible with cessation?
- ?Does CBD-only use affect fertility differently than THC?
- ?What level of cannabis use begins to impact sperm parameters?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cannabis linked to reduced sperm count, motility, and fertilizing capacity
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: systematic review of multiple study types, but many key findings from animal models only.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2019.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review.
- Published In:
- The Journal of urology, 202(4), 674-681 (2019)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02220
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis definitely cause infertility?
The evidence suggests cannabis can negatively affect several sperm parameters, but it does not necessarily cause infertility outright. The effects may depend on frequency and amount of use.
Are the effects reversible?
The review did not conclusively answer this, but some individual studies suggest sperm parameters may improve after cannabis cessation. More research is needed.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02220APA
Payne, Kelly S; Mazur, Daniel J; Hotaling, James M; Pastuszak, Alexander W. (2019). Cannabis and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review.. The Journal of urology, 202(4), 674-681. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000248
MLA
Payne, Kelly S, et al. "Cannabis and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review.." The Journal of urology, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000248
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis and Male Fertility: A Systematic Review." RTHC-02220. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/payne-2019-cannabis-and-male-fertility
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.