Effects of substance exposure on gametes and pre-implantation embryos: a narrative review

• Published in: Zygote (Cambridge) 2024-11, p.1-16
• Main Authors: Mehdinejadiani, Shayesteh, Khosravizadeh, Zahra, Alizadeh, Akram, Azad, Nahid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0967-1994; 1469-8730; 1469-8730
• DOI: 10.1017/S0967199424000303

Substance use refers to the consumption of drugs that have varying degrees of impact on a persons' physical, mental and emotional well-being. While the adverse health effects of drugs have been extensively documented, further research is needed to understand their impact on fertility. Studies have indicated that substance use affects both the male and female reproductive systems. As substance use is more prevalent among young adults compared with the elderly, it appears that individuals of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to the reproductive impairments associated with substance use. Although numerous studies have reported detrimental effects of substance use on pregnant women and their foetus during the post-implantation stages, there are limited studies on critical pre-implantation period and gamete stages. In this narrative review, we aimed to focus on the most significant evidence regarding the impact of substances on gametes and pre-implantation embryos.