Marijuana (cannabis), milk, and other dairy products effect how we use and store fat. Fat storage mechanisms play a roll in sperm count. As a result, marijuana and dairy products can impact sperm count. These effects can be either neutral or negative depending on a variety of factors and therefore it is important to understand how and when they can have a negative effect on sperm count and sperm motility.
Since THC, the psychoactive part of marijuana, effects your body’s fat cells, it’s stored in your body for extended periods of time. This means that even after not consuming marijuana for days or weeks, it’s still possible that it’s having an effect on your system. For heavy marijuana users, or users with a higher body fat percentage, marijuana/cannabis can stay in your system for a month or slightly longer. After this month or so time period, it’s safe to assume that your body is on the path back to normal sperm production.
Marijuana use can potentially lower sperm count, among other things. From a 2021 study:
“In-depth research on the final studies concluded that marijuana seems to have specific adverse effects on the sperm parameters, namely, sperm count, concentration, motility, morphology, capacitation, and viability, thus affecting fertility in men. Certain hormone levels, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, also drew attention, potentially impacting men's fertility; however, a finite inference could not be substantiated by the studies. Although the studies show significant effects in sperm parameters and organic sexual dysfunction, it is also to be noted that these studies are observational only and are conducted in small groups in multicenter geographical locations where other lifestyle patterns could be confounding (1).”
Milk can have an effect on sperm count, but not in the way you might think. It’s actually dairy in general. More specifically, the fat content of dairy. Studies have shown that lower fat dairy product consumption results in a higher sperm count and increased sperm motility when compared to men consuming higher fat dairy products. From a 2014 study:
“Low-fat dairy intake was positively related to sperm concentration and progressive motility. On average, men in the highest quartile of intake (1.22–3.54 servings/day) had 33% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1, 55) higher sperm concentration and 9.3 (95%CI 1.4, 17.2) percentage units higher sperm motility than men in the lowest quartile of intake (≤0.28 servings/day). These associations were primarily explained by intake of low-fat milk. The corresponding results for low-fat milk were 30% (95%CI 1,51) higher sperm concentration and 8.7 (95%CI 3.0, 14.4) percentage units higher sperm motility. Cheese intake was associated with lower sperm concentration among every day smokers. In this group, men in the highest tertile of intake (0.82–2.43 servings/day) had 53.2% (95%CI 9.7, 75.7) lower sperm concentration than men in the lowest tertile of cheese intake (<0.43 servings/day) (2).”
Water is essential to your body’s ability to create both sperm and semen. Semen especially, is a mucus like substance, and is mostly water. Drinking enough water will ensure that your body can make the highest quality semen. That being said, drinking water won’t necessarily increase your sperm count on its own, but it can increase sperm motility. Sperm motility is the sperm’s ability to move efficiently, and effectively fertilize an egg. Without quality semen a sperm is less able to move effectively.
There is some evidence to suggest that smoking marijuana may have negative effects on the prostate. Studies have shown that marijuana use may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Additionally, marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful substances as tobacco smoke, which can also damage the prostate and other organs.
One study found that men who smoked marijuana had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to those who did not smoke marijuana. Another study found that marijuana use was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence in men who had previously been treated for the disease.
It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of marijuana on the prostate. However, based on the available evidence, it is advisable for men to be cautious about using marijuana, especially if they have a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate-related issues. If you are concerned about your prostate health, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of marijuana use.
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