Many people struggling to conceive are not aware that smoking significantly reduces the chance of conceiving, as the chemicals contained in cigarettes such as nicotine and carbon monoxide damage egg and sperm health.
In this Blog, we look at how smoking affects female and male fertility health.
How Does Smoking Affect Fertility Health?
Research has shown that people who smoke are more likely to take longer to conceive and suffer from infertility problems. Smoking can affect fertility health in both women and men in the following ways:
- Reduces the number and quality of eggs.
- Reduces sperm count and motility.
- Increases the chance of miscarriage.
- Can lead to early menopause.
- Contributes to genetic chromosome abnormalities.
- Reduces fertility success rates.
What Are the Benefits of Giving Up Smoking Whist Trying To Conceive?
Healthy conception starts with healthy sperm and healthy eggs. Becoming a non-smoker will significantly enhance and optimise fertility health in both men and women. Stopping smoking completely has so many fertility health benefits such as:
- Improves egg and sperm quality.
- Reduces the risk of miscarriage.
- Reduces birth defects.
- Increases the chance of conception.
- Pregnancy complications are reduced.
Stopping smoking can be one of the best natural ways to enhance and optimise fertility health in women and men.
Common Smoking Fertility Myths
- I’ll just stop smoking once I’m pregnant. It is advisable to stop smoking as soon as you are thinking about trying to conceive. Medical evidence proves that smoking whilst trying to conceive increases the chance of infertility.
- Vaping and E-Cigarettes are safe alternatives. This is not true as both of these smoking alternatives still contain toxic chemicals that can reduce and damage the overall health of eggs and sperm.
- My partner smokes and I don’t so that’s OK. Studies have shown that women who are exposed to passive smoke are still likely to suffer from infertility problems. The same applies to men.
- I’ll just cut down instead of giving up altogether. Research has shown that even low levels of smoking can cause damage to sperm and egg health and can be particularly harmful to a unborn child.
How Long Does Reproductive Health Take To Improve
Medical evidence suggest that it takes approximately 3 full months before the benefits can be seen in egg and sperm health. Stopping smoking will help to enhance and optimise fertility health and can help to reduce infertility issues.
How Do I Stop Smoking?
If you’re struggling to stop smoking, then it’s important to remember there is plenty of help available where you can access expert advice, support, and feel encouraged to help you stop smoking. The NHS Smoke Free website offers advice, tips, and support on how to stop smoking. Alternatively, your GP will also be able to help you.
