CBD Oil and Fertility? Can it Help you Conceive?

How CBD affects Male Fertility 

According to researchers, there is a  valuable relationship between male fertility and CBD. Also, a receptor initially thought to be part of the endocannabinoid system was found in sperm cells. The receptor, known as GPR18, formed the crucial link between the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and fertility. 

The study also suggested that CBD could play a pivotal role in the procreation process by regulating acrosome reactions. From the study, it was clear that when the GPR18 receptor present in the sperm cells activates, then this action ends up triggering acrosome reactions. During this process of activation, the sperm cells change in structure slightly as they begin their journey towards the eggs. As sperm cell edges closer towards the egg, certain digestive enzymes release and these enzymes make the sperm lose the protective cap usually present on its head. 

When this happens, the sperm gains more ability to move effectively and finds it easy to penetrate the egg to cause fertilization. Therefore, in the receptor’s absence as well as the entire endocannabinoid system, the reaction may not be possible, and it reduces the chances of fertilization happening. 

Though there is still a need for more studies to confirm these phenomena, if the findings are true, then CBD could be a major breakthrough in helping couples to find solutions to their infertility problems. 

Some people find it difficult to conceive due to reasons that are medically unexplained. Sometimes the inability to get pregnant or impregnate a lady may be due to secondary infertility occasioned by mental roadblocks or certain lifestyle factors. In such cases, CBD may be of help as follows-:

Improving fertility through sleep

Researchers believe that there is a direct link between insomnia and low fertility rates. Certain sleep disorders may be comorbidity for both female and male infertility. There are various ways through which CBD can help to improve the quality and the quantity of sleep that is why it is worth exploring when talking about CBD oil and fertility. 

To begin with, CBD can regulate the production of cortisol. This is a catabolic hormone usually referred to as a stress hormone because its release usually happens when the body faces a perceived or a real threat. Cortisol can cause delays in falling asleep, prevent deep sleep, and limit REM that the body usually needs so badly. 

Since CBD oil is anti-catabolic, it can alter the secretion of cortisol to allow for better, deeper, and more fulfilling sleep. With improved sleep patterns due to low cortisol levels, chances of conception improve. Besides, there is clear evidence that getting pregnant when one is under stress is never easy. This further lends more support for CBD’s role in improving fertility as a result of reduced stress levels in the body.

Improving Fertility through Mood Enhancement 

You have probably heard about people struggling to conceive, then out of the blue, they become pregnant with no unique explanation. Whether or not you want to believe it, your mood and mental wellness play an important role when it comes to pregnancy and infertility, hence, the need to also focus on them when talking about CBD oil and fertility. 

Both female and male subjects showed a very strong link between poor mental health and low fertility rates. This alluded to the fact that the states of stress, depression, and anxiety can impact the release of hormones that are responsible for regulating sperm production in men and ovulation in women. 

CBD oil can regulate a person’s mood because of its effects on a variety of neurotransmitters, especially on adenosine and anandamide. Anandamide, commonly known as the bliss molecule is responsible for causing feelings of motivation, happiness, and joy. CBD can help by acting as an anandamide reuptake inhibitor. 

This means that it will stop the neurotransmitter from being broken down and degraded, hence, increasing its levels in the brain, leading to elevated and improved mood. The same action also applies to adenosine whose high levels in the body is vital for reducing anxiety and depression. Consequently, helps to elevate mood and reduce depressive symptoms that may cause mood-induced fertility problems. 

CBD Oil and Main causes of Infertility

There are certain well-known causes for infertility, with obesity and smoking being some of them. There is sufficient evidence from a variety of studies to suggest that CBD oil may help in reducing, and putting an end to both smoking and obesity. 

CBD oil is also proven effective in reducing certain negative addictive behaviors that may be risk factors for weight gain which may ultimately lead to infertility. The oil also helps with improved sleep, reduced pain associated with workouts, and reduced anxiety and stress – all of which may be risk factors for weight gain and infertility. 

The Risk Factors of CBD Oil and Fertility

Many would have wished that CBD oil comes with no risks, but sadly, that’s not the case, if the limited research findings available are anything to go by. In a study conducted on animal test subjects, the result suggested that CBD also had the potential of inhibiting fertility. In one of the studies, there was a 30% reduction in fertility rate among male mice treated with CBD oil. 

In yet another study involving sea urchins, the results suggested that cannabinoids could directly impact the fertilization process in the sea urchins by lowering their fertilizing sperm capacity. Both studies were independent of each other, though the results pointed towards the same direction. 

We should note that there is still a need for lots of studies on the risks associated with CBD and fertility. And, if you were considering its potential use to improve your fertility, always proceed with caution knowing that abusing it will have consequences. 

Best Forms of CBD Oil and Infertility

CBD oil is available in a variety of forms, implying that you have a range of options when it comes to how you may like to use it. The form you settle on will vary depending on your preferences, however, the top forms include the following-:

• Oil form – you may find CBD in tincture or oil form. In this form, it is easy to ingest with the help of a dropper or you can easily rub it onto the skin from where it is absorbed into the body. It is one of the fastest-acting forms, with the majority of the users preferring to simply drop it under the tongue for quick absorption. 
• Edible and gummies – one of the most common ways of taking CBD is through edibles and gummies. These are quickly and portable and the dosages are also very straight forward – you don’t have to measure them using a dropper. They are also among the most affordable forms of CBD. 
• Creams and lotions – you can also get CBD oils as topical ointments. These forms are mainly used for treating skin conditions such as joint pains and eczema since they act directly on the affected areas. 
• Vaping – this is another popular way to consume your CBD, especially if you need quicker absorption. However, just be cautious with the method, having in mind that vaping may be dangerous to your lungs. Depending on where you get your oil from, it may contain dangerous chemicals following the value addition processes. 

Though you can use any of the above methods to absorb CBD when you are trying for a family, not all of them are effective or recommended towards this goal. Tinctures and gummies, as well as creams and lotions are generally considered safe towards this endeavor.

Smoking and vaping, on the other hand, may not be very suitable. Smoking may produce toxins similar to those from cigarette smoke which are known to impact negatively on fertility by damaging sperms and eggs. Therefore, just be careful that while you strive to use CBD to improve your fertility, you don’t use it in a manner that may impede your chances of getting pregnant. 

Conclusion 

CBD oil and fertility are relatively new subjects. There is still a lot of controversy surrounding the use of CBD oil not just for fertility, but other medical applications as well. A lot of research is still ongoing, but the suggestions from concluded studies paint a very positive picture about CBD oil and fertility. 

The impacts of CBD oil on other health aspects are not in any doubts, and it may be a good option if you are looking forward to improving your fertility. You should, however, be very cautious that this is still a grey area with very limited conclusive research. 

Otherwise, you should explore with your fertility doctor on why you may be encountering challenges when trying for a family. Also, seek other alternative treatments and stop certain lifestyle choices that may make you infertile.