4 Questions about effect of smoking on fertility

1. How does smoking affect male fertility?

Cigarettes contain carcinogenic and mutagenic substances as well as heavy metals (like lead & cadmium). Medical studies showed that the above mentioned substances have a bad effect on spermatogenesis (formation of sperms), leading to production of weak and deformed sperms which reduce male fertility.

On the other side, smoking tends to be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction which interferes with pregnancy.

2. How does smoking affect female fertility?

Medical studies showed that smoking is associated with failure to conceive, as it causes damage to the ova and the ovaries. Also, smoking may be responsible for recurrent abortion, early menopause syndrome and ectopic pregnancy.

3. Does secondhand smoke has a negative effect too?

Yes, of course. Secondhand smoke is harmful too, especially in females, as it's responsible for increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.

4. If I quit smoking, how long does it take to improve my reproductive health?

For men, it usually takes from few weeks to months, but sometime it may take up to one year. For women, it usually takes 3 months.