Medical professionals strongly advise against using cocaine for both individuals when a woman is pregnant, to avoid possible complications.
Cocaine And Fertility In Females
Cocaine can harm the reproductive system of women in many different ways. Cocaine has been linked to infertility in the following ways:
- fallopian tube damage which can result in permanent infertility
- hormonal imbalances that make tracking ovulation difficult or even impossible, for up to months after the last cocaine use
- irregular menstrual periods
- recurrent pregnancy loss
Using cocaine while pregnant or trying to become pregnant can lead to birth defects and pregnancy complications that would be otherwise avoidable. Cocaine can cause miscarriage, placental abruption, stillbirth, learning disabilities, brain damage and death to the fetus.
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Male Infertility And Cocaine Use
Cocaine use in men can affect fertility and outcomes of pregnancy. Cocaine use disrupts spermatogenesis, which is how the male body creates sperm for reproduction.
Long-term cocaine use in men causes lower sperm count, affects the mobility of the existing sperm, and more of the existing sperm have been shown to be abnormal.
Research has shown that cocaine use actually damages the delicate ultrastructure of the testicles. This testicular structural damage is only visible via a microscope, but damage to this area can result in irreversible fertility issues.
Other studies have shown that high doses of cocaine in males prior to pregnancy result in lower percentages of full term pregnancies and low birth weight.
Cocaine, Infertility, And Lifestyle Factors
Individuals who use cocaine regularly are more likely to drink alcohol and use other drugs more often, smoke cigarettes, engage in unprotected sex, and other risk-taking behaviors. All of these additional factors have an effect on fertility.
Common side effects of cocaine are decreased appetite and need for sleep, both of which can affect fertility. When a person isn’t eating or sleep, they can struggle with malnutrition and insomnia.
Treatment For Cocaine Addiction
Treating cocaine addiction as early as possible may help prevent infertility issues from progressing any further. While many infertility side effects from cocaine are irreversible, stopping cocaine at any point may improve the chances of future pregnancies.
There are substance use programs that offer unique and specific treatment options to individuals struggling with cocaine addiction. Including those who are concerned with infertility issues caused by cocaine and other illicit drug use.
Cocaine addiction treatment programs are often part of a larger substance use rehab program. Using a specifically designed treatment program, addiction treatment specialists will design a treatment plan unique to the individual, that will prepare them to return to their day to day life.
Reach out to our professional staff today to explore substance use treatment options today.
