Can smoking affect fertility?

by C. Mathew Peterson

I have been infertile for nearly two years. I have read in magazines that cigarette smoking may reduce my chances of a successful pregnancy. Do I really have to stop?

answer

A substantial body of literature suggests that smoking reduces a couple’s chances of a successful pregnancy, not to mention having adverse health effects on children. A large British study demonstrated double the risk of childlessness five years after discontinuing contraceptives in smoking couples compared to non smoking couples.

It is hypothesised that smoking reduces the number of oocytes (eggs) in the ovary as women who smoke enter menopause earlier than non-smokers. Nicotine has been shown to reduce ovulation and oocyte fertilisation in animals. Smoking also impairs the normal function of the fallopian tubes, alters the normal physiological levels of the reproductive hormones, reduces the chances of embryo implantation and increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease by altering the immune function. If a pregnancy is achieved the rate of ectopic pregnancy doubles, as well as the likelihood of many other pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and premature labour. Babies born to women smokers have numerous developmental problems, high rates of respiratory disease and an increased incidence of sudden infant death syndrome.

For additional information:
www.quitsmokinguk.com
NHS smoking helpline – 0800 169 0169
www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

ivillage uk

Can smoking affect fertility?