Smoking is widely recoganized for its severe health risks, including the likelihood of heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory ailments. However, many individuals are unaware of its profound impact on the fertility of both men and women. Without proper knowledge and guidance, cople may face unexpected complications when trying to conceive. That’s why Apex Hospital decided to shed light on the effect of smoking on fertility.
In this blog, Apex Hospital – known for leading infertility IVF doctors in India – will share how smoking affects female and male infertility and the benefits of quitting smoking for fertility. Let’s start!
How Smoking Affects Female Fertility?
The below causes will help you understand how smoking affects female fertility:
Reduced egg quality: Regular smoking accelerates the depletion of the number of eggs in women. The harmful chemicals in smoking products damage the DNA of the eggs and lead to poor egg quality. This can result in lower fertility rates and an increased risk of miscarriage in women.
Hormonal imbalance: Smoking disrupts the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone which are essential for ovulation and a healthy menstrual cycle. Women who smoke are more likely to experience irregular periods. It also makes it hard to predict ovulation and conceive naturally.
Increased risk of miscarriage: Smoking daily increases the risk of miscarriage due to the toxic effects on the developing embryo. Plus, it also raises the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Early menopause: Studies have suggested that women who smoke may experience menopause 1-4 years earlier than non-smokers. It occurs because the toxins in cigarettes speed up the loss of eggs and reduce the reproductive window.
Reduced IVF success rates: Smoking lowers the chances of a successful pregnancy for women undergoing IVF. The chemicals in smoking products interfere with implantation, reduce egg retrieval success, and decrease the quality of embryos.
Now, you have an idea of how smoking affects female fertility. So, let’s discover how smoking affects male infertility.
How Smoking Affects Male Fertility?
The following causes will help you understand how smoking affects male fertility:
Decreased sperm count: Smoking reduces sperm production and leads to lower sperm counts. Additionally, it affects sperm motility and makes it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
Poor Sperm Morphology: Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm. Healthy sperm should have a well-formed head and tail to swim efficiently. However, smoking increases the percentage of abnormally shaped sperm, reducing their fertilization potential.
DNA Damage in Sperm: The smoke of tobacco contains carcinogens and oxidative stress-inducing chemicals that can cause DNA damage in sperm. This not only reduces fertility but also increases the risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring and potentially leads to developmental disorders or health issues.
Erectile Dysfunction: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the reproductive organs. This increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, making it difficult for men to maintain an erection and engage in successful intercourse.
Reduced Seminal Fluid Volume: Smoking has been linked to lower seminal fluid volume, which plays a crucial role in nourishing and transporting sperm. A decrease in this fluid can negatively impact the sperm’s ability to survive and reach the egg.
The Benefits of Quitting Smoking for Fertility
Below are some of the major benefits of quitting smoking for male and female reproductive health:
Improved Egg and Sperm Quality: Once you quit smoking, your body begins to repair itself. For women, egg quality may improve over time, increasing the likelihood of successful conception. For men, sperm quality, count, and motility begin to recover, typically within three months, as sperm regenerates.
Hormonal Balance Restoration: Quitting smoking allows the body to restore hormonal balance, leading to more regular menstrual cycles and improved ovulation in women. In men, it helps maintain healthy testosterone levels, which is crucial for sperm production and libido.
Lower Risk of Miscarriage: Women who quit smoking before pregnancy significantly reduce their risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Babies born to non-smoking mothers have a lower risk of being born prematurely or underweight, both of which can have long-term health consequences.
Increased IVF Success Rates: For couples undergoing fertility treatments, quitting smoking can dramatically improve success rates. Studies show that smokers require nearly twice as many IVF cycles as non-smokers to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Enhanced Sexual Health: Men who quit smoking often experience improvements in erectile function and libido. This can enhance their ability to conceive naturally with their partner.
Smoking and Fertility: Wrapup
Quitting smoking can significantly improve fertility and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. If you or your partner is struggling to conceive, contact us today through WhatsApp or call us at 91680 3900 to discuss your infertility issues with our experts.
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