The topic of fertility is a tricky one.
While some women may have an easier time getting pregnant, others are left wondering why they’re having so much trouble conceiving a child. When it comes to fertility, a woman may begin to analyze what they drink, what they eat, and what medications they take. While other variables in life can affect a woman’s ability to reproduce, not many know how Xanax affects fertility or the fact that it can affect fertility at all. As a drug and alcohol rehab center in Stuart, we’re well aware of the connection between Xanax and fertility as well as the general effects substance abuse can have on reproduction.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax, formally known as Alprazolam, is a medication used to treat panic and anxiety disorders. Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are tranquilizers that cause sedative effects. It works by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the central nervous system, which slows communication between nerve cells in the brain. Alprazolam is a commonly prescribed drug, and its sedative effects are usually the driving force of addiction in many of its users. Those who take Xanax for a long period of time may begin to misuse or abuse as they develop a tolerance. When a person becomes tolerant of a drug like alprazolam, they may have to take higher and more frequent doses in order to experience the same effects. Unfortunately, this pattern of behavior tends to result in physical dependency.
The side effects of Xanax include:
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor balance or lack of coordination
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Decreased sex drive
As with many other substances, abusing Xanax can also change the chemical makeup of the brain, making it difficult to quit using without help. At Banyan Detox Stuart, we offer a medically monitored detox that offers medical assistance to treat withdrawal symptoms. A detox treatment increases the chances of smoother addiction treatment and a smoother transition back to everyday life after rehab.
How Does Xanax Affect Fertility?
When it comes to fertility, it’s important to take your diet, lifestyle, age, and medications into account. Especially if abused or misused, Xanax can cause permanent damage to a person’s reproductive system, making it nearly impossible to conceive. Commonly used benzodiazepines like Alprazolam can affect fertility in a variety of ways.
Common effects of Xanax on fertility include:
- Loss of libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle)
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Irregular ovulation cycles
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hormonal imbalances
- Xanax excretion while breastfeeding
The most common effect of Xanax on fertility is a decrease in sex drive. Because Xanax works on the central nervous system to suppress nerve activity, it can decrease libido, making it difficult for a man to get an erection. When this occurs, conceiving can be highly difficult or impossible. This can also cause problems within a relationship, which decreases the likelihood of a pregnancy. This decrease in libido can also cause erectile dysfunction in men. Men with an addiction to Xanax are more likely to suffer from infertility among a variety of other health conditions. With our residential treatment program, those who struggle with Xanax abuse can get the help they need to turn their lives around and improve their health.
Hormonal imbalances are common culprits of infertility because a proper balance of specific hormones is required in order to properly conceive. Hormones like follicle-stimulating hormones, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone must all be balanced for conceiving and carrying out a healthy pregnancy. For example, a lack of luteinizing hormones can prevent the ovary from releasing the egg and begin producing progesterone, causing infertility.
How Xanax affects fertility also depends on the dose the person takes and how frequently they take it. If an average dose of Xanax can cause infertility, imagine what abusing it can do.
Addiction and the aftereffects of substance abuse can be difficult to recover from without professional help. If you or a loved one is battling a drug or alcohol problem, call us today at 888-280-2360 to learn how we can help.
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