Smoking and infertility | Smoking and fertility | Stopping Smoking increases Your Fertility

Smoking has been increasing world-wide and amongst all age groups, studies have proven that smoking has a significant impact on fertility for both men and women.

When we say effects of smoking, this also includes vaping, shisha and marijuana

First, we will be talking about the effects of smoking on female fertility:

Smoking and fertility

** smoking significantly affects the number and quality of eggs

** smoking increases DNA fragmentation and decreases fertilization rates

** smoking decreases the quality of embryos and leads to recurrent miscarriages

** smoking harms the endometrium and impairs embryo implantation

** smoking leads to early menopause, Smoker ladies who start smoking at early age (before 18 years old) are three times more prone to menopause before they reach 40 years old

** nicotine and other chemicals interfere with the production of estrogen which leads to irregular menstrual cycles, it was proved by multiple researches those toxic substances in cigarettes such as nicotine or anabasine affects estrogen synthesis, its production or its efficacy

** smoking leads to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and placental disease

** smoking affects fallopian tubes function by affecting cilial motility of its lining, so less ability to transfer the oocyte leading to increased rates of ectopic pregnancy

** It should be mentioned also that there is a strong relation between smoking and the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease at least 70% more than non-smokers.

** Toxic substances in cigarettes may affect the sperms due to the vaginal and cervical secretions.

Studies have shown that smokers take twice as long to get pregnant compared to non-smokers.

How does female smoking affect fertility treatments and IVF?

** lowers number of oocytes retrieved and increases chromosomal abnormalities in oocytes

** bad embryo quality

** decrease implantation rates

Success rate of IVF for smokers are lower (at least by half) compared to non-smokers

smoking with all its toxic components causes an increase in FSH level which will fail the IVF or increase the risk of failure.

According to a study done by Dr. Jonathan Nelli on mice, he found that toxic substances in cigarettes especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can kill oocyte at early stages of division. Due to the fact that the stages of follicular maturation are the same in humans, it is a direct proof of smoking effect on ovarian tissue. Even female fetuses for smoker mothers are born with less ovarian reserve and are more prone for early menopause and premature ovarian failure.

In addition to that, smoking has side effects on fetuses as follow:

Low birth weight
Small for gestational age
Still birth
Sudden neonatal death
More incidences of respiratory problems

Effects of smoking on male fertility:

** increased DNA fragmentation decreasing the ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg

** poor sperm quality

** impairs sperm motility and speed

** increases the number of sperms with abnormal morphology, Sperm abnormalities are much increased especially head of the sperms.

** decreases the number of sperms (concentration), Smokers have lower sperm count by at least 13-17 %, It was found that if sperm count is more than 80 million, the chances of having a fetus with medical problem decrease by 1% compared to 6 % if sperm count was less than 80 million, the incidence of abortions with low sperm count is 12 % as compared to 6% in high sperm count.

** Smokers have increased number of white blood cells and red blood cells which make a picture similar to infection of the genital area. This has a major role in motility and transfer of Seminiferous tubules.

** smoking destroys the blood vessels hence affecting the blood flow to the penis leading to erectile dysfunction and impaired sexual performance

** smoking interferes with the production of testosterone mainly lowering its levels which reduces libido and affects the process of sperm formation

**some birth defects happen when fertilization occurs with damaged sperms

Men who smoke lead to the formation of bad-quality embryos with poorer pregnancy outcomes and recurrent miscarriages

How does male smoking affect IVF treatment success?

It is noted that IVF success is much lower when the male partner is a smoker

Does second hand smoking affects fertility?

Yes, it does in both men and women

How long does it take for female fertility to improve after stopping smoking?

** the function of ovaries takes 3 months

** the balance of hormones takes 3 months

** better pregnancy outcomes after 12 months

How long does it take for male fertility to improve after stopping smoking?

** number of sperms takes 3 months (because the cycle of sperm production is 72 days)

**motility of sperms takes 2-3 months

** hormonal effects take 2-3 months

** DNA damage needs 3-6 months

Studies have shown that there are some vitamins that help improving fertility faster after quitting smoking:

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Omega 3
Vitamin A

Are there any natural methods to help accelerate recovery of the body from smoking?

Yes,

Good hydration
Aerobic exercise
Diet rich in antioxidants like: fruits, vegetables, nuts and leafy greens

So, if you are a smoker, quit smoking please! If it was not for your own good, do it for the coming generations, and it is a major thing for medical institutions especially infertility center to make serious campaigns to help people quit smoking.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist

Smoking and infertility | Smoking and fertility | Stopping Smoking increases Your Fertility | Dr N Layyous