Let’s be honest.
Consuming alcohol every once in a while doesn’t affect one’s health too much. However, like any other habit, if you drink almost regularly, it can prove to be detrimental to your well-being. The same goes for both prescribed and illegal drugs as well.
But, how do they affect your reproductive system as a whole?
In this article, we’ll focus on the deleterious aspects of drug abuse and discuss how it affects your fertility. So, without making any further ado, let’s jump right into the topic.
Substance Abuse And Female Reproductive System
Whether you believe it or not, the overall effect of drugs on a female individual tends to be different than a male prospect. As the saying goes, “ladies first” – in this section, we will talk about how substance abuse can be harmful to women.
Let’s get started.
Effect – 1: Alteration Of The Menstrual Cycle
Incessant consumption of drugs and alcohol can change the course of your menstrual cycle and increase the pain or cramping even more. Aside from this, the prominence of bleeding will boost to a massive extent as well.
Effect – 2: The Risk Of STDs
The usage of intravenous drugs can also increase your risk of diseases transmitted through blood, including AIDS and other STDs. All of these diseases can affect your reproductive system, lower sexual hormone production, and hinder your pregnancy.
Effect – 3: Sexual Dysfunction
Too much usage of substances can affect your sexual arousal, desire, and pleasure in women. Heavy alcohol consumption can also reduce your vaginal lubrication and impact the ability to experience an orgasm.
Effect – 4: Fertility
According to a study, women, who drink alcohol regularly, tend to have a much higher risk of developing infertility than others. Aside from this, using tobacco can also lead to delayed conception, menstrual irregularities, and miscarriage.
Effect – 5: Cancer
Women, who abuse drugs and alcohol, generally put themselves at the risk of catching an STD, as mentioned before. It, in turn, can cause an infection of your cervix, which may lead to cervical cancer. However, the probability of this happening is pretty low.
Note: Barring the last one, the other four issues caused by drug addiction tend to be pretty prominent in women. Hence, if you’re addicted to any substance, we’ll ask you to go through the recovery programs of the Gallus Detox today.
They will help you take care of your problem through an inpatient or outpatient procedure, depending on your level of addiction.
Substance Abuse And Male Reproductive System
Unlike women, men can get a little bit of leeway when it comes to drinking. For instance, whereas consuming alcohol once is considered to be ideal for a female individual, a male prospect can do the same twice.
Nonetheless, if you cross the given line by any means, your habit might affect your body and reproductive system massively. Let’s keep reading to find out more.
Substance – 1: Alcohol
Heavy drinking (consuming alcohol more than 14 times a week) can decrease the overall production of testosterone in men. Besides, it may also increase the level of estrogen in your body and lead to gynecomastia.
Substance – 2: Tobacco
Using tobacco, in general, can be pretty inimical for your well-being. For instance, like anything else, it can increase the risk of testicular cancer to some extent. Besides, the other issues, like decreased testosterone production, are pretty prevalent amongst people as well.
Substance – 3: Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are used to decrease body fats and improve your overall muscle mass. But, if you keep consuming them for a prolonged period, it can also affect your fertility by –
- Lowering your overall sperm count.
- Preventing your testosterone production.
- Lowering your body’s hormonal efficacy.
Aside from this, abusing anabolic steroids is thought to be linked to weakened sexual drive and erectile dysfunction as well.
Substance – 4: Marijuana
THC, the active ingredient available in marijuana, can decrease your sperm production to some extent. Besides, it can also affect the movement of sperm, resulting in them going to a different path than where the eggs reside.
Substance – 5: Opiates
Long-term usage of opiates can lead to an abrupt stoppage of testosterone production. This, in turn, can lead to the decreasing quality and quantity of the sperm. Besides, using too many opiates may also cause shrinkage of the testes.
Amongst the aforementioned, there are several components that you tend to consume through medication. In that aspect, it will be almost impossible for you to keep your consumption in check. However, we’ll still ask you to talk to your doctor about it and try to get a solution regarding the same. We’re pretty sure something will work out in the end for you.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will try to address the queries that may have been appearing in your mind after reading till now. So, let’s focus on the same.
What Are The Effects Of Alcohol On the Reproductive System?
Drinking alcohol can affect the production of testosterone in your body. This, in turn, can lead to an imbalance of sex hormones in your body. Due to this reason, you may experience impotence, reduced sexual drive, and infertility to some extent.
Does Smoking Affect Your Reproductive Health?
Yes, smoking can definitely have various adverse effects on your reproductive organs. For example, it can be responsible for reducing the size and efficiency of your testis. This, in turn, can also lead to less semen and testosterone production.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a parent is, indeed, the best feeling in the world. However, if you get addicted to drugs or alcohol, your chance of experiencing the same will be nearly impossible.
Thus, if you think you’re in trouble, we will ask you to visit an addiction recovery center today. Aside from this, you’ll also need to control your stress by following some specialized tips and steps.
Hopefully, it will also work out in the right way for you in the end.