The World Health Organization has cautioned that smoking tobacco may lower a person’s chances of getting pregnant and harm both men’s and women’s fertility.
Tobacco use was linked to infertility in women, detrimental effects on sperm and s*xual function in men, and possibly decreased chances of success with certain fertility treatments, according to a knowledge summary posted on the World Health Organization’s website on Tuesday.
The organization also cautioned that secondhand tobacco smoke exposure can put nonsmokers at risk for reproductive problems.
“Smoking may reduce the chances of conceiving for many people worldwide,” WHO said, citing evidence from decades of research.
According to the World Health Organization, one in six individuals of reproductive age worldwide will encounter infertility at some point in their lives.
“The failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected s*x” is the agency’s definition of infertility.
According to a systematic review of research done between 2000 and 2026, women who currently smoke tobacco have a 40% increased risk of infertility compared to non-smokers.
Additionally, the agency cited data indicating that quitting might have an impact.
It stated that compared to women who continued to smoke, women who had previously smoked tobacco but had quit had a 25% lower risk of becoming infertile.
“A recent review of 44 studies involving more than 60 000 men found that smoking was associated with reproductive dysfunction, including semen abnormalities and sexual dysfunction.”
The findings suggested that the chances of successful outcomes “may be roughly halved by cigarette smoking.”
“Women exposed to second-hand smoke may have a higher risk of infertility and a lower chance of conceiving each month they try.”
“Evidence is strongest for cigarette smoking, but WHO warns that other tobacco and nicotine products may also pose risks to fertility and require further research.”
Despite widespread awareness that smoking increases the risk of early death, many people continue to smoke, often underestimating the full extent of its dangers. For couples trying to conceive, quitting smoking is especially crucial, as it can significantly improve their chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Smoking is undeniably harmful to overall health, and making the decision to stop can lead to a healthier future for both parents and children.
