Study register · detailSystematic Review · Cancer · 2019
The relationship between cannabis and male infertility, sexual health, and neoplasm: a systematic review.
Rajanahally et al.·AndrologyImpact 2.5
MixedGRADELow67 citations
Samplek = 91 Studien
DurationLiterature up to May 2017
EndpointSemen parameters / sexual…
Blindingunklar
DesignSystematic Review
”Key finding
Cannabis showed inhibitory effects on sperm parameters, mixed effects on sexual function (possible improvement in subjective sensation, but dose-dependent ED risk), and organ-dependent varying effects on malignancy (increased testicular cancer risk, contradictory data on bladder cancer, anti-neoplastic effects in prostate cancer).
Summary
Systematic review on cannabis and male urology; k=91 articles (in vitro, animal models, case series, case-control/cohort studies), of which 25 on urological neoplasias. Cannabis exposure identified as independent risk factor for testicular cancer; contradictory data on bladder cancer; anti-neoplastic effects of cannabinoids reported in prostate cancer.
P
PopulationMen (particularly young men) with focus on infertility, sexual health and urological neoplasias; 91 included studies
I
InterventionCannabis/cannabinoid use (various forms and dosages)
O
OutcomeCannabinoids probably inhibit male fertility (semen parameters); data on sexual function mixed (subjectively improved, erectile dysfunction possibly dose-dependent); testicular cancer risk increased, bladder cancer data contradictory, antineoplastic effects in prostate carcinoma
Confidence in the evidence
Very lowLowModerateHigh
Low
The second of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is of limited reliability.
Downgraded for
Indirectness
Quality profile
Sample size★★★★★
Blinding—
Effect sizeMixed
Citations / year★★★★★
Authors
Rajanahally S, Raheem O, Rogers M, Brisbane W, Ostrowski K, Lendvay T, Walsh T
Background: In the United States of America (USA), cannabis is legal in 28 states for medical purposes and 8 states for recreational use. In 2016, the legal Cannabis industry reached nearly $7 billion in sales in the USA alone. Although consumption continues to increase, the medical effects of Cannabis remain understudied. Young males comprise the demographic most likely to consume cannabis, and these individuals will be most vulnerable to its short- and long-term consequences.
Objective: The purpose of this manuscript is to systematically review the available literature describing the effects of Cannabis on male infertility, sexual health, and urologic neoplasms.
Materials And Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Medline and Embase databases through May 2017. In vitro models, animal models, case series, case-control, and cohort designs were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was utilized to report results.
Results: After exclusions, 91 articles were synthesized for qualitative analysis. Of these manuscripts, 30 pertained to Cannabis and male infertility, 36 discussed cannabis and male sexual health/hormones, and 25 explored the relationship between Cannabis and urologic neoplasms.
Discussion: With respect to male factor fertility using semen parameters as a surrogate, cannabinoids likely play an inhibitory role. Data on Cannabis and male sexual function are mixed but suggest that Cannabis may enhance the subjective experience of sexual intercourse while potentially contributing to ED in a dose-dependent manner. Cannabis has been associated with both increased and decreased risk of malignancy depending upon the target organ. Cannabis exposure seems to be an independent risk factor for testis cancer, data on bladder cancer are conflicting, and the evidence on prostate cancer supports anti-neoplastic effects of cannabinoids.
Conclusion: Studies of the effects of cannabis suggest impact on urologic health and disease. Prospective, long-term studies are necessary for further elucidation of these effects.