Drugs affect fertility in both men and women
Social and recreational drugs can affect fertility in men and women.

In women, heavy cannabis use can alter hormone levels, affect ovulation, and reduce the chance of pregnancy.

In men, anabolic steroids, cannabis, cocaine, and heroin can lower testosterone levels, reduce sperm count, decrease semen volume, and reduce sperm motility, all of which make fertilisation less likely.

Drugs affect the baby
Drug use during pregnancy can also seriously harm the developing baby, increasing the risk of poor brain development, low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Using social or recreational drugs can affect your health, fertility, and overall wellbeing. Choosing to reduce or stop using as a couple can improve your chances of long-term success.

If you are worried about withdrawal or managing drug use, speak with your GP about the support and resources available to help you safely make these changes.

Alcohol and Drug Support – free to call 24/7; 1800 177 833 plus a website with further information and an option to chat with a counsellor online.

I am sober – sobriety tracking and support that can help people recover from addictions to alcohol or other substances. These tools can also support reductions in smoking, vaping, caffeine, or other behaviours that may be addictive.

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline – confidential advice and support.

Dib – Your Drug Info Bot – a friendly knowledgeable chatbot for consumers to talk to for anonymous, non-judgemental and trustworthy information about alcohol and other drugs.

Smart Recovery Australia – weekly, free and facilitated online or in-person support meetings for addictive behaviours such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, cigarettes and more.