The Impact of Cannabis on Female Reproductive Health and IVF Outcomes

Recent research highlights the potential negative effects of cannabis use on female fertility, particularly among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The study conducted by CReATe Fertility Center in Toronto reveals that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, can reach the ovarian follicles. In vitro experiments linked THC exposure to abnormalities in oocyte development, including errors in chromosome segregation and disorganized meiotic spindles.

The research combined a case-control analysis of 1,059 follicular fluid samples from IVF patients, with 62 testing positive for THC metabolites, and laboratory studies on immature human oocytes. They found that THC and its metabolites are present in follicular fluid, often undetected due to patients not disclosing cannabis use. Higher levels of THC were associated with increased oocyte maturation rates, though they also correlated with a greater incidence of spindle abnormalities and chromosome segregation errors.

Further molecular analysis using RNA sequencing discovered gene expression changes related to nerve signaling, immune response, and cell cycle regulation in THC-exposed oocytes. Although the overall rate of mature, fertilized, and blastocyst-stage embryos did not significantly differ between THC-exposed and unexposed groups, the study observed a higher frequency of aneuploidy and abnormal spindle morphology in THC-exposed oocytes. These abnormalities can compromise embryo viability and increase the risk of chromosomal disorders.

Given the rising popularity and potency of cannabis products, and their increasing legalization worldwide, understanding their reproductive implications is crucial. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers to counsel women seeking fertility treatments about the potential risks associated with cannabis consumption, especially during ovarian stimulation and prior to IVF procedures.

This research provides evidence that cannabis intake may negatively affect oocyte quality and the genetic integrity of embryos, possibly reducing the chances of successful pregnancy and increasing the risk of genetic abnormalities. Clear communication and informed decision-making are essential for women planning to conceive or undergoing fertility treatments.

For more detailed insights, see the original study published in Nature Communications: source.