Fertility and Contraception: All about the Effects of CBD

Fertility changes with age. For women, the beginning of their reproduction years is marked by the onset of ovulation and menstruation.

Contraception is intentional and can be used to prevent conception through various methods. Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with our bodies in multiple ways affecting contraception and fertility.

Its interactions with moods, the endocannabinoid system and fetal development affect fertility. On contraception, CBD has effects on bodily hormones and some of the contraception-based contraceptives, including progesterone.

Fertility and Contraception

Fertility is the natural capacity for conception. A woman’s fertility is the ability to conceive a child. It is crucial to understand the effects of contraception on fertility and the increasing availability and use of contraceptives.

It is essential to know the impact of contraceptives when using them and after discontinuation. The fear that the use of contraceptives poses a negative impact on utilization, discontinuation and continuation is a significant concern to women.

It is vital to choose a method of contraception that matches your plan. Contraceptives may cause a delay in returned fertility after discontinuation, but they do not have long-term effects on future fertility.

Studies reveal that around 15% of couples who use contraceptives experience infertility. If a person is 35 years or older, fertility issues after discontinuing contraceptives may be diagnosed after six months of intimacy.

Although some individuals may experience a delay in fertility once the contraceptives have left the body, normalcy typically returns after a few months at the longest. While on hormonal birth control, you can experience various menstrual effects depending on the method of contraception you use.

For instance, contraceptives may cause regular or irregular periods or lighter or heavier periods depending on other contraceptive effects on the body. Some people may experience similar irregularities for a few weeks or months after discontinuing the use of contraceptives.

The irregularities are a result of hormones released which stops ovulation. It may take time for the menstrual cycle to return to normal after using contraceptives. Individuals experiencing irregular periods after coming off the contraceptives will likely not get pregnant as they dont experience ovulation regularly.

Effects of CBD on Fertility

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

One thing that ties together the body’s reproductive system, health and CBD is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a critical neuromodulating system responsible for helping the body to maintain the body’s balance or homeostasis by regulating many of the system’s functions, including fertility and reproduction.

Through the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids, enzymes and receptors, endocannabinoids can regulate the body’s function. The ECS and how it functions is the basis that CBD uses to support health and the body’s wellness.

Endocannabinoid receptors have been found in the female reproductive system, thus the potential of CBD to improve the odds of fertilization. During ovulation, the naturally occurring endocannabinoids activate spermatozoa allowing it to penetrate the ovum.

They also improve ovarian function. By supporting the overall well-being of a person, CBD enhances the odds of conceiving and raises the odds of better fertility. CBD has been proven clinically to have effects that can be beneficial to fertility health issues, such as:

• Stress;
• Mood disorders;
• Insomnia;
• Headaches;
• Nausea.

CBD and Fetal Development.

CBD may affect the embryos. It increases the levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter subsequently inhibiting proper fetal growth. CBD being exposed to male fetuses can lead to testosterone and sperm issues.

CBD can cause facial and congenital disabilities during the early stages of pregnancy. It may affect the baby’s cognitive functions long after exposure has ceased. It has an impact on activity makers in the brain. Also, in female offspring, CBD improved memory performance while the males were unaffected.

CBD, Fertility and Moods.

Your mood and mental wellness play an essential role in pregnancy and fertility. Research links poor mental health to decreased fertility rates finding the possible correlation between anxiety, depression and stress on the release of hormones that regulate ovulation in women.

CBD elevates a person’s mood due to its impact on various neurotransmitters, notably adenosine and anandamide. The two neurotransmitters are responsible for feelings of motivation, happiness and joy.

CBD stops neurotransmitters from reabsorbing, increasing the amounts of anandamide in the brain, resulting in improved and good moods. CBD provides a solution to mood-induced fertility issues, thus helping in reproductivity.

It improves fertility by supporting the body’s overall well-being and is safer for developing fetuses. CBD has similar structures to some of the body’s hormones called endocannabinoids. In the body, the endocannabinoid system allows CBD to interact with the body’s organs.

Endocannabinoid receptors have been found in the female reproductive tract. CBD boosts ovarian function and follicle maturation. CDB can be a natural way to boost fertility with minimal side effects.

Effects of CBD on Contraception

Effects on Estrogen-Based Contraceptives

CBD has enzyme inhibiting properties which significantly affect the effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives. Besides blocking the body’s metabolism, CBD affects the production of estrogen in the body. Some of the effects mimic the natural estrogen effects tricking the body into that there is enough estrogen in the body.

CBD affects the hormonal cycle, directing the body’s endocannabinoid system. Majorly endocannabinoids have effects on the bodily systems and reproductive health. Thus, when extra CBD is ingested into the body, hormonal functions such as the female reproductive system may go out of sync affecting the cycle.

CBD may alter the effects of various contraceptives on the body. Contraceptives with estrogen may cause adverse effects when combined with CBD. It can also reduce the impact of estrogen-based contraceptives.

Also, studies reveal that estrogen-based contraceptives may reduce the action of CBD in the body, which can slow down elimination and encourage accumulation. The effects of CBD with contraceptives on the body may cause drowsiness and breakthrough bleeding since CBD affects the body’s normal function when taken into the body.

Administration of CBD with estrogen-based contraceptives may have life-threatening effects; thus, consultation with a medical professional is advised. The impact of CBD on estrogen-based contraceptives reduces their effectiveness leading to increased risks of unplanned pregnancy.

CBD on Progesterone-Based Contraceptives

Progesterone is a building block of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Progesterone effects in women include ovulation and regulation of menstruation. And other aspects of the female reproductive system include sparking libido, creating mood balance, and controlling the brain’s activity.

CBD eliminates the effects of progesterone-based contraceptives when used simultaneously. Progesterone-based contraceptives are more compatible with CBD as they primarily prevent ovulation by decreasing luteinizing hormones.

In women, a spike of the luteinizing hormones triggers ovulation making the body ready for pregnancy. The effects of CBD seem not to change the body’s usage of progesterone hormones.

CBD and Bodily Hormones

In females, the use of CBD causes hormonal imbalance in the body. Oftenly, the ovulation period in the body is associated with hormonal imbalance. At the peak of production, hormonal imbalance may result in mood swings, lack of concentration and fatigue.

Administration of contraceptives containing the same hormones may trigger the same effects on the body. CBD has metabolism-blocking properties, which come in handy when hormonal imbalance is in excess. This reduces the undesired effects caused by hormonal imbalance.

Natural cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid exist in the female reproductive cells, usage of CBD affects the overall performance concerning fertility, reproduction and other hormonal functions. Thus, using CBD and contraceptives performs differently in non-user and users.