The challenge confronting the youth especially, women in the country in substance abuse can be attributed to easy access to clandestine lab for illicit drugs for consumption.
Though there are some pharmacy and chemical shops who does not adhere to the directives from the pharmaceutical council for standard prescription in administration of drugs, the major couriers in substance abuse is associated with embedded local traditional medicine traders.
The Deputy Regional Commander of Narcotics Control Authority, Greater Accra Regional Office Mr. Rees Hakem Oduro said this on Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor FM 92.3 hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, on the subject; the effects of substance abuse on reproductive health in the country.
He is of the view that abuse of cocaine, cannabis, or even alcohol can lead to changes in hormone levels that can affect the production of sperm and the mobility of the sperm. Abuse of performance-enhancing drugs can increase testosterone, which can lead to testicle shrinkage and lower sperm production.
Rees Oduro reiterated that numerous substances of abuse can lead to fertility problems in males. For instance, abuse cocaine cannabis, or even alcohol can lead to changes in hormone levels that can affect the production of sperm and the mobility of the sperm.
Abuse of performance-enhancing drugs can increase testosterone, which can lead to testicle shrinkage and lower sperm production.
He opines that the use of drugs and alcohol can lead to issues with sexual arousal in males. In some individuals, even the use of alcohol in small amounts can lead to temporary impotence, which can become exacerbated with continued alcohol use. Abuse of other central nervous system depressants can lead to issues with sexual dysfunction. He further stated that abuse of stimulants on a chronic basis can lead to issues with erectile dysfunction in males.
In another development he raises the concerns that diseases and infections; unlike women, having a chronic substance use disorder can lead to issues with self-care, personal hygiene, and an increased ability to develop infectious diseases including STDs. Intravenous drug use and needle sharing raises the risk for infections, such as HIV and hepatitis or other blood-borne infections.
Mr. Hakem Oduro points to that facts that chronic abuse of drugs and alcohol leads to an increased risk for the development of numerous forms of cancer that can affect sexual functioning and the reproductive system. This includes an increased risk for testicular cancer.
Abuse of drugs or alcohol can lead to risky behaviors or to a lack of attention to personal care that can leave one susceptible to numerous diseases or infections. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may affect a woman’s fertility.
The risk of other infectious diseases as a result of risky behaviors or lack of personal hygiene or personal care as a result of a substance use disorder can also affect the reproductive system.
He made a caution statement saying abuse of drugs and alcohol may result in an alteration of a woman’s menstrual cycle and can even lead to a condition known as amenorrhea (the absence of a menstrual period). This condition, when prolonged, can have ramifications for reproductive health.
He is of the view that women who abuse any type of drug are at increased risk to develop numerous forms of cancer, including cancers that affect the reproductive organs. For instance, diagnosis of a substance use disorder increases the risk of getting numerous types of infections, like the human papilloma virus have been linked to an increased risk of developing certain cancers like cervical cancer.
Issues with fertility; drug and alcohol use can affect fertility in females. For instance, researchers found that females who have alcohol use disorders are more likely to experience a problem with fertility than women who are low to even moderate alcohol users.
AYM Kukah: E: mail:kukahalexander7@gmail.com
