News | Oregon Study: Stopping THC May Help Restore Male Fertility
As cannabis legalization expands, more research is examining its effects on male reproductive health. A new Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) study suggests that long-term tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use may significantly affect male fertility, but at least some effects may reverse after THC use stops.
THC's effects on male fertility
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and is widely used, particularly among men of reproductive age in the United States and worldwide. Safety data remain limited, and many users may not know about potential reproductive effects. In 2022, OHSU researchers found that chronic THC use could significantly affect reproductive health and outcomes in nonhuman primates, but whether the effects were permanent was unknown.
New findings published in Fertility & Sterility show that stopping THC can partially reverse these effects. It is among the first studies to demonstrate partial recovery from adverse male reproductive effects after chronic THC use ends.
Methods and findings
Researchers gradually increased THC doses in nonhuman primates for about seven months. They examined the reproductive organs, testicular tissue, and sperm quantity and quality. THC exposure significantly reduced testicular size and altered male reproductive hormone levels, adversely affecting fertility. It also changed gene regulation in sperm, including genes involved in nervous-system development and some associated with autism spectrum disorder.
About four months after THC exposure stopped, some adverse effects had reversed, indicating that damage from long-term use may be partially recoverable.
What stopping THC may mean for reproductive health
Lead author Dr. Jamie Lo, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU, said: “The study shows that at least four months after stopping THC, some THC-related effects on male fertility can partially reverse. This finding lets us offer more specific guidance to patients planning a pregnancy with greater confidence.”
The finding is important for clinicians and patients planning a pregnancy. It provides more specific, evidence-based information and may help doctors guide patients who want children.
Research outlook
The OHSU team emphasized that further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery. Future work will examine long-term THC use, the effects of different delivery methods such as smoking and vaping, and potential effects on fetal and offspring development.
Dr. Jason C. Hedges, associate professor of urology at OHSU, said: “Adolescents and young adults may not be thinking about family planning, but even moderate THC use may affect reproductive outcomes. Healthcare providers need to give this issue greater attention.”
Conclusion
As cannabis legalization expands, THC's reproductive effects are receiving more public and scientific attention. This OHSU study offers new insight into potential fertility risks and more targeted information for patients planning a family.
News | Oregon Study: Stopping THC May Help Restore Male Fertility
News | Oregon Study: Stopping THC May Help Restore Male Fertility
As cannabis legalization expands, more research is examining its effects on male reproductive health. A new Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) study suggests that long-term tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use may significantly affect male fertility, but at least some effects may reverse after THC use stops.
THC's effects on male fertility
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and is widely used, particularly among men of reproductive age in the United States and worldwide. Safety data remain limited, and many users may not know about potential reproductive effects. In 2022, OHSU researchers found that chronic THC use could significantly affect reproductive health and outcomes in nonhuman primates, but whether the effects were permanent was unknown.
New findings published in Fertility & Sterility show that stopping THC can partially reverse these effects. It is among the first studies to demonstrate partial recovery from adverse male reproductive effects after chronic THC use ends.
Methods and findings
Researchers gradually increased THC doses in nonhuman primates for about seven months. They examined the reproductive organs, testicular tissue, and sperm quantity and quality. THC exposure significantly reduced testicular size and altered male reproductive hormone levels, adversely affecting fertility. It also changed gene regulation in sperm, including genes involved in nervous-system development and some associated with autism spectrum disorder.
About four months after THC exposure stopped, some adverse effects had reversed, indicating that damage from long-term use may be partially recoverable.
What stopping THC may mean for reproductive health
Lead author Dr. Jamie Lo, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU, said: “The study shows that at least four months after stopping THC, some THC-related effects on male fertility can partially reverse. This finding lets us offer more specific guidance to patients planning a pregnancy with greater confidence.”
The finding is important for clinicians and patients planning a pregnancy. It provides more specific, evidence-based information and may help doctors guide patients who want children.
Research outlook
The OHSU team emphasized that further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms of recovery. Future work will examine long-term THC use, the effects of different delivery methods such as smoking and vaping, and potential effects on fetal and offspring development.
Dr. Jason C. Hedges, associate professor of urology at OHSU, said: “Adolescents and young adults may not be thinking about family planning, but even moderate THC use may affect reproductive outcomes. Healthcare providers need to give this issue greater attention.”
Conclusion
As cannabis legalization expands, THC's reproductive effects are receiving more public and scientific attention. This OHSU study offers new insight into potential fertility risks and more targeted information for patients planning a family.
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Compiled from online sources