Tobacco use can reduce the chances of becoming pregnant, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned, citing a review of numerous studies carried out around the world and published between 2000 and 2026.
The WHO says men who smoke are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than non-smokers. They are also more likely than non-smokers to experience ejaculation problems and associated issues such as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate, poor sperm motility and abnormal sperm shape.
Women who smoke have a 40% higher risk of infertility compared with non-smokers. However, if they stop smoking, they could reduce this risk by 25%, the health body said, announcing its findings on Tuesday.
Most studies relate to cigarette smokers, both men and women, according to the WHO. There are not yet as many findings available on newer products such as e-cigarettes.
WHO also says that smokers have reduced chances of success with certain fertility treatments. Passive smoking can also have a negative impact on fertility.
One in six people of reproductive age will be affected by infertility at some point in their lives. Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse over a period of at least 12 months.
The United Nations health body noted that evidence on e-cigarettes, waterpipes and smokeless tobacco is still emerging, but warned that other tobacco and nicotine products may also pose risks to fertility.
Research has previously outlined the profound impact of smoking during pregancy, showing that the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) increases with every cigarette smoked during pregnancy. – dpa
