In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a widely used fertility treatment that helps individuals and couples conceive by joining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. As cannabis use becomes more prevalent, many people undergoing or considering IVF are seeking to understand its potential impact on their fertility journey. This article aims to clarify when cessation of cannabis use is advisable before, during, and after IVF treatment to optimize outcomes.
How Cannabis Affects Fertility and IVF Success
Cannabis use can influence reproductive health and IVF success. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates reproductive hormones and processes. This interaction can disrupt the delicate balance required for conception and successful pregnancy.
For women, THC may interfere with the endocrine system, altering hormone levels that regulate ovulation. Chronic cannabis use could result in fewer mature eggs retrieved during IVF and lower fertilization rates. It may also impact the ovarian microenvironment, influencing egg genetic stability and viability. Cannabis use has been linked to irregular menstrual cycles, complicating ovulation prediction and fertility treatment timing.
In men, cannabis use is associated with negative effects on sperm quality, including reduced count, lower concentration, decreased motility, and abnormal morphology. Some studies indicate weekly cannabis use can significantly lower sperm concentration. Cannabinoid receptors on sperm suggest a direct mechanism by which cannabis impairs sperm function and its ability to fertilize an egg.
Beyond gamete quality, cannabis use has been linked to reduced implantation rates and increased miscarriage risk in IVF. Women who smoked marijuana within a year prior to IVF had fewer oocytes retrieved and lower fertilization rates. Current cannabis smokers undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) had more than double the probability of pregnancy loss. Paternal cannabis use has also been associated with an increased likelihood of miscarriage.
Understanding Cannabis Clearance from the Body
The time it takes for cannabis and its metabolites to clear from the body varies considerably among individuals. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component, is fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in fat cells and released slowly over time. The primary metabolite, THC-COOH, is what drug tests typically detect and can remain in the system for extended periods.
Several factors influence how quickly cannabis clears the body. These include the frequency and duration of use, dosage, and potency. Individual metabolism, body fat percentage, and method of consumption also contribute, as these affect how the body processes and stores cannabinoids. Chronic heavy users typically have longer detection windows.
Due to these variables, THC and its metabolites can be detectable in urine for several days to several weeks, or even months, for heavy chronic users. In blood, THC is typically detectable for a few days, while hair follicle tests can show cannabis use for up to 90 days. Understanding this variability is important when considering cessation timelines to ensure the body is as free of cannabinoids as possible before fertility treatment.
Recommended Timeline for Cessation Before IVF
To maximize IVF success, both partners should cease cannabis use well in advance of treatment. This allows the reproductive system time to recover from potential negative effects and for cannabinoids to clear the body. A longer abstinence period is advised due to the sensitivity of reproductive processes and variable cannabis clearance times.
For women, stopping cannabis use at least one full menstrual cycle before egg retrieval is a common recommendation. This allows time for hormone levels to stabilize and for potentially affected egg quality to improve. Some experts suggest ceasing use several weeks to months prior to attempting conception, whether naturally or through IVF, to provide the best possible environment for egg development and uterine receptivity.
For men, sperm maturation takes approximately three months. Therefore, it is recommended to stop cannabis use at least three months before sperm collection for IVF or attempting natural conception. This allows for the production of new sperm not exposed to cannabinoids, potentially improving count, motility, and morphology. Complete abstinence is emphasized to ensure optimal reproductive health for both partners, and discussing personal circumstances with a fertility specialist is always advisable.
Cannabis Use During and After IVF Treatment
Continued abstinence from cannabis is strongly advised throughout the IVF cycle and, if successful, during pregnancy. During the IVF cycle, cannabis use can interfere with hormone stimulation medications and the body’s response to them, potentially impacting egg development and embryo creation. The method of cannabis consumption, including edibles, does not eliminate THC’s effects on egg and sperm quality or its potential interaction with reproductive processes.
Once pregnancy is achieved, continued cannabis use carries significant risks for fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. THC readily crosses the placenta and can enter the fetal bloodstream, potentially disrupting the fetal endocannabinoid signaling system, which plays a role in embryo development and neurodevelopment. Studies have associated prenatal cannabis exposure with reduced birth weight, decreased head circumference, and an increased risk of preterm birth.
Maternal cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. THC can also be present in breast milk, making breastfeeding inadvisable for users. Open communication with healthcare providers about all substance use is important for the safest path to fertility treatment and a healthy pregnancy.