Study Reveals Cannabis Use May Harm Women’s IVF Success Rates

New research has found that cannabis use could negatively impact women’s fertility, particularly among those undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This study, published in the journal Nature Communications, indicates a concerning correlation between the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive component of cannabis – and poorer IVF outcomes.

The investigation involved the analysis of 1,059 samples of follicular fluid, which is the liquid surrounding and nourishing developing eggs in the ovaries, from women attempting to conceive through IVF in Canada. Among these samples, 62 tested positive for THC metabolites, revealing that these women had used cannabis. The findings suggested that samples with THC presence were associated with abnormal chromosome counts, which can lead to complications such as implantation failure, miscarriage, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Impact on Egg Development

In addition to the analysis of patient samples, researchers also conducted laboratory experiments involving immature egg cells from 24 donors. They discovered that exposure to THC levels similar to those found in the positive samples increased the likelihood of chromosomal distribution errors, thereby raising the risk of IVF failure. Notably, they observed changes in the egg maturation rate, indicating that THC might affect the percentage of eggs that develop successfully for fertilisation. However, these changes were primarily seen at THC concentrations higher than the average detected in the patients’ samples.

Cyntia Duval, the study’s lead author and director of translational research at the Toronto-based CReATe Fertility Centre, highlighted a significant strength of the study: the ability to measure THC levels directly in patients’ samples. This approach contrasts with many previous studies that relied on self-reported cannabis use, which can often be inaccurate due to underreporting.

Need for Further Research

While the findings provide critical insights, the authors noted that the research is limited to a specific type of immature egg cell and did not account for other factors, such as the women’s ages, which could impact egg health. Moreover, the study did not determine the frequency or amount of cannabis used by the participants. As such, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand how cannabis use affects pregnancy outcomes through the identified pathways.

Previous studies have established links between drug use and fertility, as well as connections between cannabis and sperm quality. The researchers emphasized the necessity of understanding the implications of cannabis consumption, particularly as its use becomes more widespread.

“Our main goal is simple: to educate people with ovaries and IVF patients that cannabis might impact oocyte maturation and IVF outcomes,” Duval stated. With the increasing legalization of cannabis in various regions, access to accurate information about its effects on reproductive health is more crucial than ever.

As this field of research evolves, the findings aim to enhance the ability of healthcare providers to counsel patients effectively, ensuring that individuals can make informed decisions regarding their fertility and cannabis use.