Guest blog by Sarah Grathwohl, a social media specialist and writer for DrugRehab.com.
Infertility may lead to stress, and this can affect a woman’s mental health and well-being.
While not being able to conceive can be difficult, it is important to relax and manage stress, as it can negatively affect the health of one or both partners in the relationship. There are other mental health responses in addition to stress, such as depression, low self-esteem and anxiety, that are linked to infertility.
In order to handle tough times, some develop outlets or coping mechanisms for reducing stress. Drinking or using drugs in most cases is seen as a normal way to blow off steam and alleviate pressure from a troubling situation. Although it may seem socially acceptable to cope using drugs or alcohol, this can lead to addiction.
Substance Abuse May Lead to Infertility
Men and women are not equal when it comes to how drugs and alcohol affect the body. Although men are more likely to use almost all types of illicit drugs, females can become addicted faster using smaller amounts. Not only can drugs and alcohol lead to a substance use disorder, they can cause infertility.
Female sex hormones are sensitive to certain substances, and this can have negative consequences on the reproductive system.
Consuming too much alcohol can result in problems conceiving. Regular and excessive alcohol use can be risk factors for shorter and longer menstrual cycles. Drinking alcohol excessively can also prolong the pain in women with painful menstruation cycles. These menstrual disorders can cause infertility.
While trying to conceive, using marijuana can slow the egg’s progress as it travels through the oviduct. This loss of momentum caused by cannabis can prevent implantation in the uterus.
Cocaine can create a hormonal imbalance and can damage the fallopian tubes because it increases the hormone prolactin. This substance can also suppress ovulation and interfere with the ovarian cycle which can cause infertility.
Using opioids complicates one’s ability to get pregnant as well. Opioid use can lower a female’s sex drive and cause hormonal imbalances that make it difficult to conceive. The use of opioids can also lead to missing periods.
No matter what substance a woman uses while trying to get pregnant, these can impact the female reproductive system and lessen her ability to conceive.
Sarah Grathwohl is a social media specialist and writer for DrugRehab.com. Since 2013 she has professionally managed Facebook and Twitter accounts. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Central Florida.
Sources:
Huljich, P. (2012, September 27). Identifying Coping Mechanisms. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mind-wellness-awareness/201209/identifying-coping-mechanisms
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2015, September). Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use. Retrieved from: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-women
Pardes, A., (2014, November 4). How Do Illegal Drugs Affect Women’s Fertility? Retrieved from: http://www.vice.com/read/we-asked-three-doctors-how-illegal-drugs-affect-your-pregnancy-101
The New York Times. (n.d.). Menstrual Disorders In-Depth Report. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/menstrual-periods-heavy-prolonged-or-irregular/print.html
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