Smoking Linked to Infertility, Quitting Can Help
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that smoking can seriously affect reproductive health in both women and men. A new report says tobacco use can increase the risk of infertility in women and can also reduce sperm quality and sexual function in men.
The WHO has also warned that people who do not smoke but are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke may also face fertility-related risks.
The findings highlight the importance of quitting tobacco, especially for people who are planning to have children.
Higher Risk of Infertility Among Smokers
Infertility is a global health concern. The WHO estimates that about one in six people of reproductive age experience infertility at some point in their lives.
Infertility is generally defined as being unable to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual activity.
Research cited by the WHO shows that women who smoke have a significantly higher risk of infertility compared with women who do not smoke.
The report says women who continue smoking can face a higher risk of difficulty becoming pregnant. However, quitting smoking can reduce this risk. Women who quit have been found to have about a 25% lower risk of infertility compared with those who continue to smoke.
Smoking Can Affect Women’s Reproductive Health
Smoking can affect several parts of the reproductive system. Tobacco chemicals can interfere with normal reproductive functions and may make it harder for some women to become pregnant.
Smoking is also linked to lower success rates in some fertility treatments. This is particularly important for couples who need medical assistance to have a child.
For women who are planning pregnancy, quitting smoking can therefore be an important step toward improving their overall reproductive health.
Men Also Face Serious Risks
The WHO report stresses that infertility should not be considered only a women’s health problem.
Smoking can also affect men’s reproductive health. Men who smoke may have a higher risk of erectile dysfunction and problems with ejaculation.
Tobacco use can also affect sperm. Studies have linked smoking with lower sperm movement, known as motility, as well as changes in sperm shape and quality.
Poor sperm quality can make it more difficult for couples to achieve pregnancy.
Second-Hand Smoke May Also Matter
The risks are not limited to people who actively smoke. The WHO has also highlighted concerns about exposure to second-hand smoke.
Second-hand smoke occurs when a person breathes in smoke released by someone else who is smoking. Regular exposure can affect health in many ways, and researchers are also studying its possible effects on fertility.
This means that maintaining a smoke-free environment can be important for couples who are planning to start a family.
Impact on Fertility Treatment
Smoking can also reduce the chances of success for people undergoing fertility treatment.
The WHO report points to evidence showing that smoking can significantly reduce the chances of successful treatment, including procedures such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
For couples already facing fertility problems, continuing to smoke may make treatment more difficult and reduce the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
This makes smoking cessation an important part of fertility care.
Cigarettes Are Not the Only Concern
The strongest scientific evidence currently focuses on traditional cigarettes. However, the WHO has also raised concerns about other tobacco and nicotine products.
Products such as e-cigarettes and waterpipes are becoming increasingly common in many parts of the world. Their effects on fertility are still being studied, and more research is needed to understand their long-term reproductive health risks.
The WHO’s message is that people should not assume that alternative tobacco products are completely safe for reproductive health.
Quitting Can Make a Difference
One of the most important messages from the report is that quitting smoking can improve health and reduce some of the risks associated with tobacco use.
For people planning to have children, stopping smoking before trying to conceive may be an important health step.
Quitting can also benefit partners who may otherwise be exposed to second-hand smoke.
Although stopping tobacco use can be difficult, healthcare professionals can provide counselling, advice and other forms of support to help people quit.
Doctors Should Discuss Smoking and Fertility
The WHO recommends that healthcare providers talk to couples about the effects of smoking when they are planning a pregnancy.
Doctors and other healthcare workers can explain how tobacco may affect fertility in both men and women. They can also help smokers create a plan to quit.
The WHO says advice about stopping tobacco use should be available across different healthcare settings, rather than only in specialised fertility clinics.
A Wider Public Health Concern
Infertility can cause emotional, social and financial difficulties for individuals and families. When tobacco use adds to the risk, preventing smoking may help reduce some avoidable fertility problems.
The WHO report therefore highlights tobacco control as an important part of reproductive healthcare.
For couples hoping to have children, understanding the risks of smoking and getting support to quit can be an important step toward protecting their reproductive health.
The message from health experts is clear: smoking affects much more than the lungs. It can also have serious effects on fertility, sexual health and the chances of having a healthy family.