Mushrooms: Infertility Risk Or Myth?

While there is limited research on the direct impact of mushrooms on infertility, studies have shown that certain types of mushrooms have medicinal properties that can support fertility. Psychoactive drugs, on the other hand, have been found to negatively impact male fertility by impairing sexual function and reducing sperm quality. Additionally, specific mushrooms, like Ashwagandha, have shown promising results in improving sperm concentration, semen volume, and overall fertility. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the full scope of mushrooms' impact on infertility.

Magic mushrooms and pregnancy

While medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have positive immunomodulating effects, helping to regulate the immune system, there is little research into the effects of magic mushrooms during pregnancy. Magic mushrooms are usually eaten fresh or dried, brewed into tea, or added to food. They can also be taken as a pill. They contain the hallucinogenic components psilocybin and psilocin, which cause an altered state of mind, including hallucinations and delusions.

There is no evidence to suggest that magic mushrooms affect fertility in either men or women. However, there is also no research to support this, so it is not known what effect they may have on fertility. It is also unknown whether taking magic mushrooms can make it harder to get pregnant.

There is a lack of research into the effects of magic mushrooms during pregnancy, and pregnant women are advised to avoid them due to their hallucinogenic and toxic properties. There is no evidence to suggest that magic mushrooms increase the chance of miscarriage, and studies have not been carried out to determine whether they increase the chance of birth defects or other pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. There is also no research to suggest that magic mushrooms affect the future behaviour or learning of the child.

Some anthropological sources suggest that psilocybin mushrooms have been used during pregnancy. Ayahuasca, an oral brew containing DMT, has been consumed during pregnancy for centuries without any scientific publication of harm. Observational studies of adolescents exposed to ayahuasca in utero found no negative effects from a psychiatric or neuropsychological perspective. However, there is a lack of high-quality data to guide our understanding of the benefits and risks of psychedelic use during pregnancy.

There are risks associated with untreated mental illness during pregnancy, and psychedelic therapy may be advantageous due to its intermittent nature of use, limiting the exposure of drugs to foetuses and newborns. However, psychedelics are powerful serotonergic compounds that have pleiotropic effects across the immune, endocrine, and neural systems, and these risks are likely more problematic during pregnancy than breastfeeding. Common treatments for depression during pregnancy, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, may carry a small risk of increased autism spectrum disorders, and some medications have been associated with risks of birth defects.

Ashwagandha and male fertility

While there is limited research on the impact of mushrooms on fertility, studies have shown that medicinal mushrooms can help regulate the immune system, which is a fundamental step in the fertility journey.

Now, on to the topic of ashwagandha and male fertility. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used in traditional Indian healing for centuries. It is believed to have the potential to enhance fertility and boost energy and immunity. Here are some key points regarding ashwagandha and male fertility:

Impact on Sperm Quality and Count

Ashwagandha has been shown to improve sperm quality and increase sperm count in several studies. A 2018 review suggested that ashwagandha may improve sperm quality parameters, including motility and count. This improvement in sperm quality is attributed to higher enzyme activity in semen and reduced oxidative stress. A systematic review found a link between ashwagandha supplementation and a 12.5% mean increase in sperm count and a 21% improvement in progressive motility.

Hormone Regulation

Ashwagandha may also influence hormone levels, including testosterone, which is crucial for sexual function, libido, and erectile function. A 2019 study found that ashwagandha lowered serum cortisol levels, reducing stress levels and enhancing overall quality of life. Additionally, ashwagandha has been shown to increase testosterone levels, which can improve sperm health and treat male factor infertility.

Stress Reduction

Ashwagandha is known for its stress-relieving properties. By reducing stress and anxiety, ashwagandha may indirectly improve fertility by positively impacting overall health and well-being. A 2023 study on male rats suggested that ashwagandha may enhance sexual arousal and improve erectile function by influencing biological pathways related to sexual function and stress response.

Safety and Side Effects

Ashwagandha has a low number of reported side effects and is generally considered safe. It has been used to manage various clinical issues, including chronic stress, insomnia, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as the effects of herbs and supplements can vary among individuals.

In conclusion, while the research on ashwagandha and male fertility is still evolving, the available studies suggest that ashwagandha may have positive effects on sperm quality, hormone regulation, and stress reduction, all of which can contribute to improved fertility in males.

Psychoactive drugs and male fertility

Psychoactive drugs are substances that alter the functions of the nervous system, resulting in the modulation of perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behaviour, including sexual behaviour. Psychoactive drugs are commonly used for medical and recreational purposes. They can act as stimulants or depressants, and their use is rapidly increasing. Psychoactive drugs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of male infertility.

Several classes of psychotropic drugs have been associated with reduced male fertility. These include antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics. These drugs can alter three pathophysiological mechanisms:

• Increased prolactin and gonadotropin levels with testosterone reduction: The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis tightly regulates male reproductive function. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the release of gonadotropins, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH are essential for optimal testicular function, with FSH driving spermatogenesis and LH promoting testosterone biosynthesis, which is necessary for libido and spermatogenesis. Psychoactive drugs can suppress this axis, leading to reduced androgen synthesis and impaired spermatogenesis.
• Sexual dysfunction: Psychoactive drugs can negatively affect sexual urge, erectile function, and sexual satisfaction. Depressants, for example, can suppress sexual urge by downregulating circulating androgen and stimulatory neuroendocrine like dopamine. While stimulants may increase sexual urge, they can also induce reduced fertility indices.
• Semen quality alteration: Psychoactive drugs can directly induce testicular toxicity by promoting ROS-dependent testicular and sperm oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. This results in reduced sperm quality, including decreased sperm concentration and progressive motility.

While most available evidence supports a detrimental role of cannabis on human spermatogenesis, some studies have failed to document any effect. Additionally, a study on the impact of khat abuse on male fertility found no significant impact on seminal quality. However, the lack of robust human studies on the impact of novel psychoactive substances, herbal highs, and psychedelics, such as LSD, on male fertility highlights the need for further research.

In conclusion, psychoactive drug abuse negatively affects male reproductive functions, including sexual urge, androgen synthesis, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. Understanding the mechanistic effects of these drugs on male fertility is essential to develop effective measures against psychoactive drug-induced male infertility and enhance reproductive health.

Lack of studies on magic mushrooms and pregnancy

While medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have positive effects on fertility, there is a dearth of studies on the effects of magic mushrooms during pregnancy. Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are known to cause hallucinations and delusions. They are usually eaten fresh or dried, brewed in tea, or added to food.

There are no known studies on the impact of magic mushrooms on fertility in men or women. It is not known if taking magic mushrooms can make it harder for a woman to get pregnant or if it can affect men's fertility. There is also a lack of research on the effects of magic mushroom consumption during pregnancy. Studies have not been conducted to determine if magic mushrooms increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or other pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight.

While there is limited research on the effects of magic mushrooms during pregnancy, some sources advise pregnant women to avoid consuming them due to their hallucinogenic and toxic properties. Wild or foraged mushrooms are also generally discouraged during pregnancy due to the risk of mushroom poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

It is important to note that the lack of evidence of harm does not equate to evidence of safety. Pregnant individuals should always consult with their healthcare providers before consuming any substance that may impact their pregnancy or breastfeeding journey.

Medicinal mushrooms and fertility

While there is no evidence that consuming mushrooms can cause infertility, some studies have shown that psychoactive drugs negatively affect male reproductive functions, including sexual urge, androgen synthesis, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. However, medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have positive effects on fertility.

Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have immunomodulating effects, meaning they help keep the immune system in check by stimulating it when there's something to fight and down-regulating it when it's overactive. This can be particularly helpful in cases of auto-immune conditions, where a person's immune system is attacking their own body. By down-regulating the immune system, medicinal mushrooms can help to reduce the inflammatory response and allow for T cells, B cells, and antibodies to work more effectively.

Additionally, new research shows that medicinal mushrooms can modify cytokines, which are pro and anti-inflammatory messengers secreted by immune cells. Cytokines play a crucial role in immune response and can impact fertility. Elevated levels of certain cytokines have been linked to infertility, and medicinal mushrooms have been found to reduce these levels, thereby improving fertility outcomes.

Specific types of medicinal mushrooms, such as Shiitake, Maitake, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Hen of the Woods, and Cordyceps, are considered superfoods due to their potential health benefits. For example, in cases of infertility associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Hen of the Woods (Grifola Frondosa) has been shown to restore ovulation. Animal studies have also shown that certain strains of medicinal mushrooms can increase sperm quantity and quality.

While the focus has primarily been on female fertility, some sources suggest that medicinal mushrooms may also help with male fertility issues. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

It is important to note that not all mushrooms are medicinal, and the ones typically used for cooking may not provide the same benefits as the specific medicinal varieties mentioned above. Additionally, while medicinal mushrooms can be a helpful supplement, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific health concerns.

Frequently asked questions