Do's and Dont's
Frequently Asked Questions
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound of marijuana, binds to receptors in many different glands and tissues that are involved in sperm production," says Matthias Hofer, MD, urologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "These receptors are found in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, decreasing hormone production necessary for sperm production."
When it comes to research, most studies have concluded that marijuana is not good for sperm. "There are many lab studies showing negative effects of marijuana on sperm. There are surprisingly few human trials, but they all demonstrate that cannabis use reduces sperm concentration, sperm motility (ability to swim), or both," says Doron Stember, MD, assistant professor of urology at the Icahn School at Mount Sinai.
Experimental laboratory studies showed that THC decreased the number of mobile sperm by up to 20%, and also inhibited the ability to fertilize an egg, adds Dr. Hofer. Men who used marijuana more than once a week had a nearly 30% decrease in sperm count compared to those men not using THC, and a 5% decrease compared to those with less frequent use.
When it comes to research, most studies have concluded that marijuana is not good for sperm. "There are many lab studies showing negative effects of marijuana on sperm. There are surprisingly few human trials, but they all demonstrate that cannabis use reduces sperm concentration, sperm motility (ability to swim), or both," says Doron Stember, MD, assistant professor of urology at the Icahn School at Mount Sinai.
Experimental laboratory studies showed that THC decreased the number of mobile sperm by up to 20%, and also inhibited the ability to fertilize an egg, adds Dr. Hofer. Men who used marijuana more than once a week had a nearly 30% decrease in sperm count compared to those men not using THC, and a 5% decrease compared to those with less frequent use.
There’s also some evidence that oxidative stress and excessively high levels of ROS may lead to infertility in men .Taking in enough antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may help counteract some of these harmful effects. There’s also some evidence that vitamin C supplements may improve semen quality.A study in infertile men showed that taking 1,000-mg vitamin C supplements twice a day for up to 2 months increased sperm motility by 92% and sperm count by more than 100%. It also reduced the proportion of deformed sperm cells by 55%.Another observational study in Indian industrial workers suggested that taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C five times a week for 3 months may protect against DNA damage caused by ROS in sperm cells.Vitamin C supplements also significantly improved sperm count and motility, while reducing the numbers of deformed sperm cells.Taken together, these findings suggest that vitamin C may help improve fertility in infertile men with oxidative stress.
Private donors are men who donate sperm directly to women. They're typically sourced through social contacts or donor websites. Donations are conducted at home using artificial insemination or intercourse. When dealing with private recipients you must remember they are looking for the perfect donor whose genes and traits will be passed on to their offspring. Here are some tips on making a great impression.
1. Preparing Ahead Of Time- Prepare questions and talking points. Before your first conversation with someone, think about what you want to learn from them and what you want them to learn about you. This will help you to get clearer about your own thoughts and feelings, and cut down on the possibility of a dull moment in the conversation
2. Set an intention- Have a clear answer to the question, "what do I want from this introduction?" When you have your own goals you are more likely to be perceived as someone who is mature, confident and competent. It can also help to "ground" you in situations where you may be nervous. Your intention should be something within your control. If you are applying to donate your sperm, the intention "I want to donate my sperm" doesn't give you a specific course of action. Instead, try setting an intention like, "I want to emphasize these 3 qualifications that I think make me the best sperm donor candidate." This is something that it is within your power to do, and will be more helpful as a guide for you during the interaction.
3. Look your best- How you look really matters when meeting people. You'll want to make sure you look your best either in pictures you send or in person
4. Develop your personal elevator pitch- An elevator pitch is a short summary of who you are and what you do -- and it is not just for elevators! It should be no more than three or four sentences, and it should be able to roll off your tongue with ease
5. Practice active listening- Active listening is a skill for really engaging with what others are saying, allowing them to feel like their thoughts are heard, understood, and respected. If you are planning what you are going to say next while another is talking, you probably aren't listening very closely. Focus on what they are saying and ask questions that will allow them to elaborate on their thoughts.
6. Leave them wanting more- If you have a great connection with someone during a first encounter, don’t be afraid to say “goodbye for now.” If you really connect, ask to exchange contact info and send a follow up text or email about how nice it was to meet them