Marijuana Use in Men May Increase Miscarriage Risk

We know that smoking tobacco has a multitude of adverse effects on fertility for both men and women. Until recently, the impact of smoking marijuana has been less clear, however. A recent study found that amongst women undergoing fertility treatment, those who were current marijuana smokers had double the risk of miscarriage compared to women who were past users or had never used marijuana. We are now learning that, similarly, marijuana use in men may increase miscarriage risk for their partners.

Preliminary findings presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggest that men who use marijuana as little as once a week are twice as likely to have their partners’ pregnancies end in miscarriage. This study examined over 1,400 couples and found that male marijuana use prior to conception was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. This association was observed even in couples in which the female partner did not use marijuana at all.

Further research is required, but these findings suggest that men and women who are trying to conceive should limit their exposure to marijuana. At Fertility Centers of New England, we encourage all of our patients to lead healthy lifestyles in order to have the best possible chance of a healthy pregnancy. If you have questions about your or your partner’s fertility, please contact us today!