WHO: Female smokers face a 40% higher risk of infertility than non-smokers

Women who smoke have a 40% higher risk of infertility than non-smokers. Smoking also impairs sperm quality in men and reduces the likelihood of successful infertility treatment, according to a review of scientific evidence by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings were published on the organization’s official website.

“Quitting smoking can reduce these risks. Women who used to smoke but have quit have a 25% lower likelihood of infertility than those who continue to smoke. The earlier a person stops using tobacco, the better it is for reproductive health,” the researchers emphasized.

Smoking is associated with impaired male fertility. Men who smoke are more likely to experience erectile and ejaculatory problems, while their sperm may show reduced motility and changes in morphology. In some cases, sperm may be completely absent.

Smoking may be particularly harmful for people undergoing infertility treatment. An analysis of 21 studies found an association between smoking and lower rates of pregnancy and live births following assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to the WHO, smoking may approximately halve the chances of successful treatment.

Secondhand smoke may also negatively affect fertility. Regular exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with a higher risk of infertility in women and a lower likelihood of becoming pregnant in any given month of trying to conceive.

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