Smoking and infertility

Smoking cigarettes can negatively affect fertility in both men and women, and can also harm a baby’s health: 

  • Women

    Smoking can make it harder for women to get pregnant, and increase the risk of never becoming pregnant. Smoking can also increase the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Smoking can also shorten the menstrual cycle and make ovulation less predictable. 

  • Men

    Smoking can damage sperm, and can lead to erectile dysfunction. Smoking can also increase the risk of pregnancy loss. 

  • Babies

    Smoking during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor and delivery. It can also cause negative health outcomes for the unborn baby, including low birth weight and lungs that fail to develop properly. 

  • Secondhand smoke

    Exposure to secondhand smoke can also harm a woman’s fertility. 

Quitting smoking can improve fertility. For men, sperm quality will start to improve about 90 days after quitting. For couples undergoing fertility therapy, quitting smoking for at least two months before attempting IVF can significantly improve chances for conception. 

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