The effect of drugs on the human reproductive system is quite detrimental, leading to infertility. Drug consumption disturbs female hormone production, disrupting menstrual and reproductive cycles. In addition, there is evidence of the harmful effects of drugs on the entire female reproductive tract, including the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes, while affecting the thyroid, pituitary, hypothalamus, ovaries, and adrenal glands.  

Dr Hrishikesh Pai, one of leading India’s infertility specialists and founder of Babies & Us IVF and ICSI Centre, Mumbai, states that prescription drugs negatively affect the body’s functioning, including reproductive capacity. These drugs impact the body directly and indirectly affect health and lifestyle. He proceeds to explain the significant impact of drug consumption on both men and women.  

Smoking

The detrimental effect that smoking has on health is hardly a secret, so people trying to conceive should stop smoking. Women who smoke may also have reduced ovarian reserve and chromosomal defects. In addition, smoking increases the risk of heart and cardiovascular defects, limb defects, Missing (or extra) fingers or toes, clubfeet, cleft lip or palate skull malformations, facial and eye deformations, hernia, gastrointestinal defects, anal defects and undescended testes. Also, smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, yet another reason to give it up.  

Alcohol

Even though the effects of light to moderate drinking haven’t been fully studied, there is consensus that moderate drinking also negatively affects female hormones and kills the sperm-producing cells in men thereby affecting the overall fertility quotient.

Heavy drinking can have severe consequences on the body. It can cause luteal phase defects in women (when the uterus lining does not thicken as it should to prepare for ovulation), anovulation, and amenorrhea. In males, sperm count, sperm mobility, and sperm quality are all adversely affected.

Marijuana

Marijuana use may inhibit or delay ovulation by at least 1 – 3 days. The reason being marijuana users have high levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which delays ovulation and reduces the woman’s chances of conceiving.

Women trying to conceive should avoid marijuana consumption entirely and return to their normal fertility levels.

Blood Pressure Medicines

Women taking older blood pressure drugs such as Largactil and Aldomet (prolactin hormones that stimulate milk production) may experience menstrual problems. These drugs also disrupt ovulation.

Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

While serotonin reuptake inhibitors do not have the same risks, they may also interfere with prolactin and ovulation or cause severe neonatal problems if used during pregnancy.

Antipsychotic agents and medication cause the blockade of dopamine D2, which increases the level of prolactin; this condition is known as hyperprolactinemia. Women with hyperprolactinemia experience irregular periods and anovulation due to changing FSH and estrogen levels. Also, they can complain of less libido, milk leakage from breasts (galactorrhea) and a higher chance of osteoporosis.

With adequate evidence stating consumption of drugs affects the reproductive system and its functioning, people addicted to these drugs are likely to experience infertility, an unfortunate and anxiety filled condition denying them the parenthood experience. Hence, Dr Hrishikesh Pai advises women to avoid drugs and seek medical consultation if they require consuming them. Also, they can approach their gynaecologist on how to prepare for pregnancy, considering their history of drug consumption. Recreational drugs if used for longer period by men and women  can affect their fertility levels. Anabolic steroids used by men for muscle growth and development can also affect fertility if used for longer period of time by affecting the sperm count

Dr Hrishikesh Pai has been one of the most accomplished and highly experienced infertility specialists for over three decades. He has established the Bloom IVF Centre, which is present in nearly nine cities across India. Additionally, he has set up the Babies & Us IVF and ICSI Centre Mumbai to offer treatment to patients with complex infertility issues in South Mumbai.

Babies & Us IVF and ICSI Centre

Opera House,

534, 4th Floor,

Bombay Mutual Terrace Opera House, ,

Mumbai 400004

For appointments call   91-98717 17305 or email at babiesandus12@gmail.com

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