Dimitris Michalakis, MD, MSc, Assisted Reproductive Gynecologist
Smoking is directly linked to infertility and IVF failure. It is estimated that up to 13% of female infertility is caused by smoking. Cigarette smoke contains many harmful substances that can adversely affect fertility. It reduces ovarian reserves and the receptivity of the uterus during embryo transfer. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Even in cases of egg donation, women who smoke up to 10 cigarettes per day had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (52.2%) than women who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day (34.1%). This suggests that the uterine environment is directly affected by cigarette smoke.
In men, smoking causes a decrease in the total number of sperm and their motility, as well as disturbances in their normal morphology. It causes a series of damages to the sperm, reducing their ability to fertilize the egg.
It seems that smokers add 10 years to their reproductive age – a 25-year-old smoker has the same reproductive potential as a 35-year-old non-smoker.
Quit smoking early! It’s not too late!
It seems that with smoking cessation, fertility returns to a level similar to that of non-smokers, even if the cessation occurs within one year of trying to conceive.
Here are some additional tips for smokers who are trying to conceive:
- Talk to your doctor about your smoking habits. They can help you develop a plan to quit smoking.
- Set a quit date and stick to it.
- Tell your friends and family that you are quitting smoking. They can provide support and encouragement.
- Use nicotine replacement therapy or other medications to help you quit smoking.
- Join a support group for smokers who are trying to quit.
- Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it can also improve your chances of getting pregnant.
