Dear reasnover,

While it's true that smoking marijuana may lower a guy's sperm count, it is NOT an effective method of birth control.

Here's something else you should know about marijuana and sex: the primary active ingredient in marijuana, called THC (delta-9-tetrahydorcannabinol), lowers testosterone levels. Since testosterone is related to the sex drive in both women and men, smoking a lot of marijuana may reduce the sex drive. In men, it may also decrease muscle mass. Like alcohol, marijuana may help people feel less inhibited so they feel sexier. But they both can make it more difficult for a woman or a man to perform sexually.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.