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\n\nYou are right. Old school idea is not totally wrong. Abnormal sperms indeed do not likely fertilize an egg and even if they do, there is a more chance of miscarriage. It is just that earlier it was thought that miscarriage was the only end result whereas now data shows that birth defects is more common in such individuals. Miscarriages are nature's way of eliminating beings which are not perfect for survival. But, now because of better medical care available these days, we can now prevent miscarriages. So, that is why the incidence of births defects has increased. And theoretically speaking, there is no definite scientific proof correlating substance abuse with any effect on the DNA structure of sperm, these studies are still in experimental stages, and it is only the DNA which the baby actually gets from the father, rest all is from the mom. But, statistics point differently. More research is actually needed to prove that fathers are directly responsible for defects. In case of cocaine research has proved alteration in DNA of sperm produced during the intake but no such evidence in cases of alcohol, etc. So, I suggest my patients to refrain from all kinds of drug use while planning for pregnancy and do thorough antenatal testing for the same during pregnancy.
\n\n\n\n\n","datePublished":"2017-12-28T17:05:58","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Dr. Megha Tuli","url":"https://www.icliniq.com/doctor/dr-megha-tuli"},"comment":{"@type":"Comment","text":"Hi doctor,
\nThe old school thinking is that abnormal sperm caused by alcohol and drugs just cannot fertilize an egg and if it does then it will simply result in a miscarriage. It seems there is a lot more evidence recently that says this thinking is really outdated and in fact can result in births with increased risk of defects, etc. How do you feel about this? Why do medical specialists not agree on this? Why do some doctors stick with the old school thinking and not look at the more modern research?
","datePublished":"2017-12-28T17:05:58","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Anonymous User 01HACE51ZGQXEK785ZNEA076BK"}}}]}The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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