Expert: Peter L. - 6/23/2010

Question
My husband has been clean for 11 years. We have been trying to get pregnant and have been having some problems. We can get pregnant we just can't stay pregnant. I have read on some websites that 'spontaneous abortions' could be the result of heroin abuse. Does this also ring true for recovering addicts? We've had 4 miscarriages. It is extremely difficult to go through the emotional and (for me) the physical trauma of losing a pregnancy. Especially when you make it to where you think your 'safe'. Do we just keep trying or should we give up? I don't care if we can't get pregnant because of his previous problem. I wouldn't change a thing. I love my husband very much and do not want him to blame himself for this... It would be nice though for me to have some piece of mind, and know why it keeps happening. The Dr's are clueless, they have no idea why we keep miscarrying.
Thanks Luda

Answer
Hi Luda,

I can't say I've heard of any direct correlation between heroin use and fertility problems, but I suppose it's possible in some instances.  The fact that your husband has been clean for 11 years suggests less likelihood his drug history is to blame, in my opinion.

For your husband to be the cause of this problem implies that his reproductive abilities were somehow damaged by heroin use.  I think with all the possible causes for reproductive difficulties overall, I'd be cautious about putting the blame there.  Besides, even if that were the case, what could you do?  We don't know enough about the impact of opioids on the body overall.

Maybe you might want to research how to improve your chances of conception with nutritional or other means.  Treat the problem like anyone else would who has the same issue, perhaps not worrying about your husband's drug history.  I hear folic acid (a B vitamin) is important for pregnancy.  I would try a holistic approach, and I'm sure you'll find many web sites that offer advice there.  A good book to look for is Prescription for Natural Healing, which has alternative solutions for many health and medical problems.

Best of luck!

Peter