From managing anxiety and promoting sleep to relieving pain and inflammation, CBD has become a buzzword in the health and wellness industry.
However, concerns have been raised regarding its impact on male fertility.
Is CBD bad for male fertility?
From our research, it looks like CBD has no obvious positive or negative affect on male fertility.
How Male Fertility Works
Let’s take a minute to get educated.
At Bradford Wellness Co., we love educating people so YOU can be empowered to make your own decisions.
Male fertility primarily depends on the health and functionality of his reproductive system.
The key players in male fertility are the testicles, which produce sperm, and the penis, which delivers the sperm to the female reproductive system.
The process of sperm production, known as spermatogenesis, takes place within the testicles.
Specialized cells inside the testicles called Sertoli cells support and nourish the developing sperm cells.
These cells undergo a series of divisions and changes until they mature into fully functional sperm.
To successfully fertilize an egg, the sperm must be of good quality and have the ability to swim and penetrate the egg.
Sperm quality can be affected by various factors, such as lifestyle choices, age, and certain medical conditions.
A semen analysis, which involves examining a sample of semen, can provide valuable information about the quantity and quality of a man’s sperm.
It’s important to remember that male fertility is not solely determined by the man alone.
Factors like the woman’s fertility and the timing of intercourse also play a significant role in achieving pregnancy.
If you have concerns about your fertility, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance and support.
Fertility and Sperm Count
Sperm count refers to the number of sperm present in a given sample of semen.
A higher sperm count increases the chances of successfully fertilizing an egg.
When the sperm count is low, it can make it more difficult for a man to conceive with his partner.
A normal sperm count is typically considered to be around 15 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen.
If a man’s sperm count falls below this threshold, he may be diagnosed with a condition called oligospermia.
In severe cases where the sperm count is extremely low or absent, it may be classified as azoospermia.
Low sperm count can be caused by a variety of factors.
These can include hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities, lifestyle choices (such as excessive alcohol or drug use), certain medical conditions (such as infections, varicoceles, or testicular tumors), exposure to environmental toxins, and even certain medications.
When the sperm count is low, it can decrease the chances of successful fertilization because there are fewer sperm available to reach and penetrate the egg.
This reduces the likelihood of getting pregnant.
However, it’s important to note that even with a low sperm count, pregnancy can still be possible, although it may require additional interventions such as assisted reproductive techniques.
Does CBD Affect Sperm Count?
Limited studies have explored the relationship between CBD and sperm count.
However, a study conducted on mice suggested that CBD may have a temporary suppressive effect on sperm production.
It’s important to note that these findings cannot be directly applied to humans.
Once again, no human-based studies have been conducted to confirm these results.
More research is required to draw definitive conclusions.
We did find that research supports a role for cannabis in reducing sperm count and concentration.
However, these studies were primarily conducted with marijuana use, which contains high levels of THC and other compounds not present in CBD products.
Additionally, there are many factors that can influence fertility, such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and overall health.
While some research suggests that CBD may have a temporary effect on sperm production in mice, it’s unclear if this translates to humans or if it has any significant impact on overall fertility.
Therefore, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between CBD and fertility in humans.
The same is ttrue for other cannabis products, including Delta-9.
What about CBD and fertility in general?
While CBD has been shown to affect certain aspects of reproductive health, such as regulating hormone levels and reducing inflammation, its impact on overall fertility is inconclusive.
There is no evidence that cbd has any positive effect of fertility in either men or women.
BUT there’s no clear positive or negative impact of CBD on human fertility.
How Do You Treat Infertility in Men?
Infertility in men can be caused by various factors, but the good news is that there are treatment options available.
Before prescribing any treatment, it’s important to identify the underlying cause of infertility through a comprehensive evaluation.
One common cause of male infertility is low sperm count or poor sperm quality.
In such cases, lifestyle changes may be recommended as a first step.
These can include:
- maintaining a healthy weight
- avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
- quitting smoking
- and reducing stress levels.
These changes can have a positive impact on sperm production and quality. More on these below.
If lifestyle modifications do not yield satisfactory results, there are medical interventions that can be considered.
For example, hormone therapy may be used to address hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production.
Alternatively, surgical treatments may be recommended to correct any anatomical abnormalities such as varicoceles or blockages in the reproductive tract.
Steps towards Health and Fertility for Men
Making healthy lifestyle choices is fundamental in optimizing your well-being and increasing the chances of conceiving with your wife. Here are some steps you can take:
1.Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect your hormone levels and sperm production.
Aim for a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Consult with a nutritionist if needed.
2.Exercise regularly
Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves blood circulation, and reduces stress.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
3.Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to reduced fertility.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can significantly improve your overall health and reproductive function.
4.Manage stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact fertility.
Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in hobbies, or participating in activities that bring you joy.
5.Avoid exposure to toxins
Minimize exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, chemicals, and excessive heat, as they can affect sperm production.
Use protective measures when working with hazardous substances.
6.Get regular check-ups
Visit your doctor for routine check-ups and screenings.
They can identify any underlying health conditions that may affect fertility and provide appropriate treatment or management.
7.Practice safe sex
Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by practicing safe sex.
Some STIs can cause infertility if left untreated.
8.Consider supplements
Certain supplements, such as folic acid, vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q10, have been associated with improved sperm health.
Discuss with your doctor if supplementation is appropriate for you.
Remember, it takes time for lifestyle changes to impact fertility.
It’s essential to involve your wife in this journey and ensure that she’s also in good health.
If you have been actively trying to conceive without success for a year (or six months if you’re over 35), consider seeking assistance from a fertility specialist.
Please note that while these steps can promote overall health and potentially increase fertility, they may not guarantee pregnancy.
Each couple’s fertility journey is unique.
Keep exploring what the path to wellness and fertility is for you and your partner, and we wish you all the best.
