Fertility and Substance Abuse

Human fertility is severely impacted by substance abuse or alcoholism, often resulting in lifelong reproductive damage even after drug use or drinking has stopped. This damage can occur regardless of whether you are a man or woman, although the risks associated with damaged fertility or reproductive functions are far more serious for women. However, those who are most at risk are children, because drug addiction doesn't just affect fertility – it also affects a woman's ability to carry a healthy pregnancy successfully to term. Additionally, there is great risk to the child in the form of physical, mental or emotional development disorders as a result of a parent's drug use. And because sex and reproductive health are such critical components of a larger overall public health concern, a new perspective must be gained for those who suffer from addiction or alcoholism. Men's Sexual Health and Addiction Men who use drugs or alcohol regularly risk damage not only to their ability to reproduce, but also to their ability to have sex in general. Many drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth and ecstasy reduce a man's ability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is because an erection requires a massive flow of blood to the genitals in order to correctly function. Opiates and other drugs impact the central nervous, pulmonary and circulatory systems; all of which are essential to proper blood flow. Therefore, even though a man may wish to have sex or reproduce, he may be rendered physically unable to as a result of drug use. Most drugs also impact a man's ability to produce and regulate testosterone. This can lead to a decreased libido and severely reduced sperm count. Live sperm may not be viable as a result of damage from foreign substances, and genetic changes in the DNA of sperm may result in an impairment of functions including the ability to swim, the ability to locate the egg, and the lack of energy sufficient enough to penetrate the egg if found. Women's Sexual Health and Addiction Drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, LSD and prescription painkillers – among many others – all have a disruptive effective on a woman's menstrual cycles. These menstrual abnormalities can lead to sustained periods lasting longer than two weeks, severe and debilitating cramping, or a lack of a menstrual cycle for months or even years at a time. With sustained drug use some of these abnormalities can become permanent, thereby severely impacting a woman's ability to conceive. These drugs also cause physical damage to female reproductive systems including the ovaries and fallopian tubes – both of which can become misshapen with prolonged drug use and render a woman infertile. Women who use drugs are also much more likely to engage in high risk sexual behaviors such as promiscuity or prostitution, or they may be subject to violent rapes and sexual assaults. Trauma from assaults or damage from sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, HIV, Chlamydia or hepatitis can permanently alter a woman's reproductive abilities, including the ability to carry a healthy baby. Because fertility and reproductive health is the fundamental basis upon which all modern societies are founded, getting help for a problem with drug addiction or alcoholism is crucial in order to prevent irreversible consequences.

If you or someone you love needs help, you can get it right now with a free consultation from an expert at our inpatient treatment center - widely considered one of the best in the country. For more information about addiction or alcholism and how it relates to sex, fertility and reproduction, please visit us here: http://www.recoveryfirst.org