When looking at how drug abuse affects the body, it is essential to fully understand the effects on all parts of the body, not just the most obvious ones. Most people can overlook the impact of drug abuse on the reproductive system.
Prolonged substance abuse has a more significant impact on all areas of the body, not just the reproductive system. Studies have shown that there can be a profound effect on both the male and female reproductive systems during addiction and after recovery.
The severity of the impact depends on the person in question and the substance in question, along with other lifestyle factors, including the length of their addiction.
What Role Does Drug Abuse Play in the Health of the Reproductive System?
Both men and women metabolize drugs in different ways. Many factors play a part in how each person is affected; however, research overwhelmingly indicates that women are more susceptible to reproductive damage than men and will experience more issues within their reproductive system.
For women, drug abuse can affect their reproductive system in the following ways;
- Increased risk of infections
- Greater risk of STDs
- Changes to their menstrual cycle or a complete absence of their menstrual cycle
- Increased risk of cancer in the reproductive system
- Sexual dysfunction
- Decreased fertility or complete infertility
Men can also experience changes and damage to their reproductive system, including but not limited to;
- Reduced sperm production and quality
- Sexual dysfunction
- Diseases and infection
- Increased risk of STDs
- Increased risk of cancers, including testicular cancer
The best way to deal with the risks of damage to the reproductive system from drug abuse is to seek addiction treatment as soon as possible and abstain from sexual encounters until you are on the path to recovery.
While quitting drugs can remit some symptoms and effects on the reproductive systems in both men and women, some damage may be permanent or take longer to heal or reverse than anticipated.
For this reason, you must seek out the proper support for your needs to overcome your addiction and maintain sobriety.
Choosing Addiction Recovery Programs
Choosing intensive inpatient treatment can help you successfully detox from substances while abstaining from sex to support your body’s recovery as a whole and improve your health and well-being.
For others, working through an intensive outpatient treatment program such as the Impact Outpatient program can offer the best results for ongoing sustainable sobriety with the options for ongoing Telemed services and aftercare for greater success in recovery.
This type of support can be invaluable when recovering from substance abuse, and getting treatment from medical professionals to treat your addiction before addressing health concerns can help you on the path to reversing any damage if possible, and reassessing your life in sobriety.
Those concerned about their reproductive health must address their addiction to be able to experience positive results. There is a greater chance of improved reproductive health and a potential increase in fertility in those who remain sober and abstain from drugs in the long term post-recovery.