For couples planning to start a family, understanding the impact of lifestyle choices on fertility is crucial. Among the most meaningful and modifiable factors is smoking. Experts warn that smoking can severely compromise both male and female reproductive health, making conception more challenging.

Two leading fertility specialists emphasize the detrimental effects of smoking:

Smoking is one of the ‘most preventable causes of infertility.’

Dr. Manpreet, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paras Health, Gurugram

Smoking makes natural conception more difficult.

Dr. Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility, PRIME IVF

The Broad Impact on Reproductive Health

Quitting smoking offers a pathway to improved fertility for both men and women. The adverse effects of smoking extend beyond general health risks, directly impacting hormone levels, sperm integrity, and egg quality.

We have learned over the years how smoking adversely affects one’s health and is a significant reason for lung disease, cancer, and stroke. However, it also takes a toll on the reproductive system of both males and females as it impacts hormone levels, the integrity of sperm, and the quality of eggs; all these play an crucial role in inhibiting natural conception.

Dr. Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility, PRIME IVF

Smoking not only hinders natural conception but also reduces the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Furthermore, it is associated wiht decreased ovarian reserve and an elevated risk of miscarriage.

Impact on Female Fertility

Globally, a significant percentage of the population smokes, with men accounting for a larger proportion. According to the world Health Institution (WHO), about 36.7% of men and 7.8% of women smoke.

In women, the toxins present in cigarette smoke disrupt the delicate hormonal balance that regulates ovarian function.This interference can lead to:

• Compromised egg maturation and quality
• Increased risk of failed fertilization
• Higher chances of ectopic pregnancy
• Increased risk of spontaneous abortion
• Irregular menstrual cycles

In females, the countless toxins in cigarette smoke interfere with the complex hormones that regulate ovarian function. Even though the limited ovarian reserve is not completely recoverable after quitting, the adverse effect on egg maturation and quality is undeniable. These poor-quality eggs increase the risk of failure of fertilisation, ectopic pregnancy, and higher chances of spontaneous abortion. It interferes with hormonal balance which results in irregular menstrual cycles and makes conception even more difficult.

Dr. Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility, PRIME IVF

Smoking accelerates ovarian aging, reduces the number of viable eggs, and elevates the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, possibly leading to infertility, miscarriage, or birth defects.

In women, it accelerates ovarian ageing, reduces the number of viable eggs, and increases the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to infertility, miscarriage, or birth defects. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, deplete ovarian reserves and interfere with estrogen production, often resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and early menopause.

Dr. Manpreet,Senior Consultant,Obstetrics and Gynaecology,Paras Health,Gurugram

impact on Male Fertility

The effects of smoking on male fertility are equally concerning. Smoking negatively impacts spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production, leading to:

• Decreased sperm count
• Reduced semen volume
• Impaired total sperm count

It was equally debilitating as smoking produces many negative impacts on spermatogenesis, leading to decreased sperm count, decreased semen volume, and impaired total sperm count.

Dr. Nishi singh, Head of Fertility, PRIME IVF

Moreover, smoking can damage sperm DNA, increasing the risk of genetic mutations in offspring. It also affects sperm motility and viability, hindering their ability to fertilize an egg.

Furthermore, it affects the DNA, which increases the chances of genetic mutations in offspring and even subsequent generations. Further, damage is directly related to motility and viability, which prevents the sperm from fertilising an egg.Disruption of hormonal balance in both sexes provides an unsatisfactory setting for conception. Thus, the need to avoid smoking cannot be overemphasized among those seeking to become parents. By removing this risk factor, couples can effectively optimise their reproductive abilities and protect future generations’ health.

Dr. Nishi Singh, Head of Fertility, PRIME IVF

Smoking lowers testosterone levels and negatively affects sperm health by reducing sperm count, motility, and morphology. The toxins in tobacco can also cause DNA fragmentation in sperm, increasing the risk of failed fertilization and early pregnancy loss.

In men, smoking lowers testosterone levels and negatively affects sperm health by reducing sperm count, motility, and morphology. The toxins in tobacco can also cause DNA fragmentation in sperm, increasing the risk of failed fertilization and early pregnancy loss. Smoking-induced hormonal imbalances further contribute to fertility issues, making conception more difficult.

Dr. Manpreet, Senior consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paras Health, Gurugram

The Path to Improved Fertility

Quitting smoking can significantly improve reproductive health, enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments, and increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of infertility. The toxins in cigarettes not only harm reproductive cells but also disrupt hormonal balance, making conception more challenging. Taking steps to quit can greatly improve overall reproductive outcomes.

Dr. Manpreet, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paras Health, Gurugram