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Are Cocaine Metabolites Toxic?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Jun 2016
Question: Background: I recently used cocaine at a bachelor party. I consumed around 1.5 grams over a 3 day period while consuming alcohol. I have no prior use of drugs over the last year, nor do I have any drug or alcohol abuse problems. I do not even take aspirin or ibuprofen. I am in great health, workout around 3-5 days a week and only 10% body fat, so my metabolism is high. I had sex with my wife 48hrs, 96hrs, and 132hrs after last use of cocaine. She tested positive for ovulation 120 hrs after my last use. I last used Sunday night, she starting ovulating the following Saturday, but we had sex first Tuesday night. My wife has never used drugs, including prescription drugs.

I am happy to announce that she is now pregnant, however now I am terrified that something dumb I did the week before conception could damage my first unborn child. From research I have done online, cocaine and it's metabolites can be found in male sperm, and that cocaine binds to the sperm. In theory, that sperm can carry the drug into the egg causing birth defects. Since we had sex the first time 48 hrs after use, cocaine should no longer have been in my system due to its half life, however it's metabolites could be in my system 3-5 days after use.

My questions are:
Can cocaine metabolites bind to sperm and be carried to the female egg causing damage?
Are cocaine metabolites toxic?
Does the female body reject sperm with foreign matter on them during sperm capacitation or other stages?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your questions.

1. Yes, cocaine metabolites bind to sperm and can be delivered to the female egg which can theoretically damage it.

2. Yes, cocaine metabolites are toxic.

3. The female body does not reject sperm with cocaine metabolites attached to them.

It is possible, but not likely, that this will permanently damage your child. Usually repeated cocaine use by the mother is what typically causes the majority of damage in cases like this. I would simply be vigilant during the prenatal phase and have your doctor watch closely for any signs of defect.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Are Cocaine Metabolites Toxic?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your questions. 1. Yes, cocaine metabolites bind to sperm and can be delivered to the female egg which can theoretically damage it. 2. Yes, cocaine metabolites are toxic. 3. The female body does not reject sperm with cocaine metabolites attached to them. It is possible, but not likely, that this will permanently damage your child. Usually repeated cocaine use by the mother is what typically causes the majority of damage in cases like this. I would simply be vigilant during the prenatal phase and have your doctor watch closely for any signs of defect. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers