Smoking, vaping can have these detrimental effects on your fertility
Smoking tobacco products, including vaping, has been scientifically proven to have detrimental effects on fertility, according to recent research. For individuals who are concerned about their fertility or are planning to start a family, experts strongly advise against smoking or vaping.
Courtney D. Lynch, PhD, a doctor specializing in maternal fetal medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, emphasized that smoking negatively impacts both natural and medically assisted conception. She highlighted that nicotine, a common component in cigarettes and vapes, is a well-known reproductive and developmental toxicant.
Lynch further explained that smoking and vaping expose the embryo to harmful compounds, with nicotine specifically impairing the functioning of cilia in the fallopian tubes. This impairment can disrupt the transport of the embryo to the uterus during pregnancy attempts, increasing the risk of tubal or extra uterine pregnancies. Additionally, smoking and vaping can alter gene expression, further complicating the fertility process.
Theodore Wagener, PhD, director of the Center for Tobacco Research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, echoed Lynch’s sentiments, citing scientific literature that unequivocally demonstrates the negative impact of smoking on fertility. He referenced an animal study published by the National Institutes of Health, which found that vaping can also have harmful effects during the implantation process of pregnancy, potentially leading to various pathologies in offspring.
In women, smoking can damage egg quality and quantity, accelerate egg loss, and increase the risk of fertility treatment failure, miscarriage, and menstrual irregularities. For men, smoking can reduce sperm count and quality, damage DNA, and disrupt testosterone production, potentially leading to erectile dysfunction. While the scientific literature on vaping’s effects on fertility is limited, it may have similar impacts on hormone levels, DNA damage, and erectile dysfunction.
Both Lynch and Wagener emphasized the importance of quitting all nicotine and tobacco products to improve fertility and reduce exposure to environmental smoke. By taking this step, individuals can enhance their chances of conceiving and starting a healthy family.
The information provided here underscores the critical need for individuals to prioritize their reproductive health by avoiding smoking and vaping. Making lifestyle changes to eliminate these harmful habits can significantly improve fertility outcomes and overall well-being.
