WHO LINKS SMOKING TO REDUCED FERTILITY IN MEN AND WOMEN

Tue 08 September 2026:

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that smoking can lower fertility in both women and men, and that exposure to second-hand smoke may also harm reproductive health.

In a new knowledge summary, WHO said tobacco use is associated with infertility in women and harmful effects on sperm and sexual function in men.

A review of studies conducted between 2000 and 2026 found that women who currently smoke have a 40% higher risk of infertility compared with non-smokers. Those who had quit smoking may have a 25% lower risk compared with women who continue smoking.

For men, a review of 44 studies involving more than 60,000 people linked smoking to reproductive problems, including semen abnormalities, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems.

Smoking may also reduce the effectiveness of assisted reproduction, including in vitro fertilization, with research suggesting successful outcomes could be roughly halved.

Globally, one in six people of reproductive age experience infertility at some point in their lifetime, according to the UN health agency.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Pregnancy and smoking

Smoking during pregnancy means the baby shares every puff. Nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxins cross the placenta, cut oxygen, and slow growth.

That raises the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and a baby born too small. It also increases problems with the placenta, cleft lip or palate, and later sudden infant death. The baby’s lungs and brain can develop less well, which may mean more breathing problems and learning or attention issues after birth.

Second-hand smoke is not safe either. If you smoke, quitting as early as possible helps. Help from a doctor, nicotine-replacement options approved in pregnancy, and smoke-free homes all reduce harm. The earlier smoking stops, the better for both parent and baby.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

__________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22