New donor applicants often ask us about marijuana usage, and if it impacts their ability to be an egg donor. Here we delve into our policy around marijuana usage and […]
New donor applicants often ask us about marijuana usage, and if it impacts their ability to be an egg donor. Here we delve into our policy around marijuana usage and why we have it.
At AsiaWest, one of our requirements to be an egg donor is that you remain drug free – this includes marijuana. If you are interested in becoming an egg donor and are a marijuana user, we require that you stop using marijuana for at least three months before we can add you to our database.
While on the database, you are committing to remaining entirely marijuana free.
Our policies around marijuana are not because we necessarily have a moral issue with it – we understand that marijuana is legalized in many states. Our marijuana policies are due to the effect it has on your reproductive health.
Studies have shown that marijuana can prevent regular ovulation, interrupt the menstrual cycle, and disrupt estrogen production. This is a result of the cannabinoids in marijuana interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Women who experience these irregularities are at a higher risk of infertility, and may have impaired ability to produce viable embryos.
As an egg donor, it is essential to keep your reproductive health in as good condition as possible. You are chosen by the intended families in large part because of your reproductive health, and so it is important for you to maintain that health. Avoiding marijuana use is an important part of ensuring the egg donation process goes smoothly for everyone, and that the potential embryo is as healthy as possible.
You will undergo multiple drug tests as a part of your screenings when matched with a family, so it is important to adhere to the marijuana policy.
If you are interested in learning more about our drug and alcohol policies, check out our blog on the impact of drug and alcohol use, and why recreational drugs are prohibited.