Somebody who smokes takes more time to get pregnant than non-smokers. Second-hand smoke is almost as harmful as direct smoking and women exposed to second-hand smoke also take more time to conceive. The chemical components in tobacco can damage eggs and sperm, which affects the future child’s health.

Here are some of the common ways smoking affects both men and women:

• The DNA (genetic material) in eggs and sperm
• Men’s and women’s hormone production
• The fertilized egg’s ability to reach the uterus
• The environment inside the uterus where the baby grows

According to studies, smokers are more likely to experience infertility problems than non-smokers.

Research shows that couples with infertility—whether they conceive naturally or with non-IVF treatments—have a similar increased risk of birth defects as those undergoing IVF.

Couples undergoing ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) may have a slightly higher risk of abnormalities in babies compared to routine IVF treatment. This is likely due to increased chromosome abnormalities in men with extremely low sperm counts. Recent tests suggest that if sperm count is normal, there is no added increase in birth defects when ICSI is used.

How does smoking affect Male fertility?

Toxins found in cigarettes are often responsible for harmful health effects. Smoking exposes men to high levels of cadmium and lead—metals linked to reduced fertility.

Lead levels are significantly higher in infertile smokers compared with both fertile and infertile non-smokers.

Heavy smokers (those who smoke at least 20 cigarettes daily) have higher cadmium levels in their semen.

Men who smoke may have difficulty achieving and maintaining erections. Smoking damages sperm DNA, which is passed on to the baby.

Men produce sperm continuously. Sperm take roughly three months to mature. This is why stopping smoking at least three months before trying for a baby is important to ensure healthy sperm at the time of conception.

Heavy smoking (over 20 cigarettes per day) by fathers at the time of conception increases the baby’s risk of leukemia.

How does smoking affect female fertility?

Smoking is associated with several fertility problems, including:

• Fallopian tube issues such as blockages, which prevent egg and sperm from meeting
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Damage to eggs as they develop in the ovaries
• Increased miscarriage risk due to damaged eggs or poor uterine lining
• Cervical changes and higher risk of cervical cancer

Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to experience pregnancy complications compared to non-smokers. Their babies are at higher risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and birth defects.

Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy—including second-hand smoke—can affect the development of a female baby’s ovaries.

Each cigarette smoked increases miscarriage risk by 1%. Smoking also increases the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This is life-threatening for the mother.

Not all these issues are solely due to smoking. Some may be linked to other behaviors. For example, unsafe sexual practices increase the risk of pelvic infections and fallopian tube blockages. However, damage to eggs in the ovaries is strongly linked to smoking.

Do you smoke and are worried about infertility problems?

Then get the right treatment and expert advice from Dr. Pooja Mule. At Niraamay Clinic, we ensure the safest and most comfortable treatment environment with the support of experienced staff. Book an appointment now and avail the most advanced treatment and quality care.