Smoking can affect your fertility – Dr. Sujoy Dasgupta
I am 35 years old male and we are planning for a baby. Can stop-smoking help me to improve fertility?
Smoking can reduce the quantity (sperm count) and the quality of the sperms (motility and morphology). In addition, smokers are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction and lack of sex desire (low libido). Stopping smoking can improve natural fertility.
I am a 25 years old woman. We have been trying for pregnancy for last few months. Can smoking affect my fertility?
Both active and passive smoking increase risk of infertility in women. They take longer time to conceive. They are at increased risk of premature menopause (ovaries stop working prematurely). Additionally, smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developing outside the uterus). Again the chance of pregnancy after any fertility treatment (IUI, IVF) decreases for the smokers. Fortunately, cessation of smoking before pregnancy can reduce these risks.
Can smoking affect the health of my baby?
Smoking can increase the risk of birth defects in the baby. Because, the babies may be growth-restricted inside the uterus and may be born prematurely, they are more likely to have low birthweight.
I am a chain-smoker. Can reduction of smoking be helpful for my fertility?
Unfortunately, no level of smoking is considered absolutely safe. So, we recommend complete cessation. Many effects of smoking can be reversed within a year of quitting. If you find difficulty in quitting smoking, please consult specialist doctor.
Author:
Gyn & infertility Specialist
Genome – The Fertility Centre
Kolkata
