The relationship between cannabis use and IVF outcome—a cohort study

Abstract

Background The effects of cannabis use on male and female reproduction have been the focus of scientific research for decades. Although initial studies raised concerns, more recent studies were reassuring. Considering the recent legalization of recreational use of cannabis in Canada, we sought to analyze IVF outcomes among users and non-users in a single IVF center. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study from a single IVF center assessing IVF outcomes among male-female, non-donor IVF patients that are either cannabis users or non-users. We analyzed the ongoing pregnancy rate as well as oocyte yield, fertilization rate, peak serum estradiol, sperm, and embryo quality. We used the Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests where appropriate. Results Overall, the study included 722 patients of which 68 (9.4%) were cannabis users, most defined as light users. The results of the study show similar implantation rate (40.74% vs. 41.13%) and ongoing pregnancy rate (35.2% vs. 29.1%) between the users and non-users, respectively. No significant difference between users and non-users in any of the other analyzed outcomes could be detected. Conclusions The results may provide some reassurance for the lack of any demonstrable detrimental effects of cannabis consumption on IVF outcomes. This study was limited by its retrospective nature, self-reporting of cannabis use, and a small user sample size. A larger prospective study is needed to validate its findings.

THC and sperm: Impact on fertilization capability, pre-implantation in vitro development and epigenetic modifications

“…Given that blastocysts generated from sperm exposed to all concentrations of THC had fewer ICM cells, and that ICM quality is highly predictive of pregnancy and implantation rates [ 137 ], paternal cannabis use would be expected to adversely affect IVF outcomes. However, current clinical research shows no associations between paternal cannabis use and implantation rates or time to pregnancy [ 24 , 25 ]. In support of our results regarding cleavage and blastocyst rates, Har-Gil et al, (2021) observed no differences in blastocyst formation rates between cannabis users and non-users seeking infertility treatment [ 25 ].…”

“…However, current clinical research shows no associations between paternal cannabis use and implantation rates or time to pregnancy [ 24 , 25 ]. In support of our results regarding cleavage and blastocyst rates, Har-Gil et al, (2021) observed no differences in blastocyst formation rates between cannabis users and non-users seeking infertility treatment [ 25 ]. In contrast to our findings, the same researchers also found no effect of paternal cannabis use on blastocyst quality.…”

“…In contrast to our findings, the same researchers also found no effect of paternal cannabis use on blastocyst quality. Since the legalization of cannabis in various countries, Har-Gil et al, (2021) has been the only study to investigate cannabis use and ART success, emphasizing the need for more recent research that considers current THC levels in cannabis [ 25 ].…”

“…Despite the harmful impact of cannabis on sperm [ 21 ], there is very limited research investigating the effects of paternal cannabis use on more clinically relevant outcomes, such as embryo quality following IVF [ 24 , 25 ]. Clinical data concerning the impacts of paternal cannabis on reproductive function have been limited to observational studies and self-reported cannabis use [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Beyond body mass index: a synthesis of lifestyle factors that may influence in vitro fertilisation outcomes

“…Over the past two decades there has been several studies that have evaluated the impact of illicit drug use on IVF and pregnancy outcomes (20)(21)(22). However, there are some limitations regarding the investigation of illicit drug use on reproductive function due to the ethical concerns of administration, and patient underreporting (23).…”