Every year on May 31st, the world observes World No Tobacco Day, an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. At Patki Hospital, Kolhapur, we believe it is also the perfect time to highlight one of tobacco’s lesser-known but deeply concerning effects — its impact on male and female fertility.
Tobacco and Fertility: A Hidden Threat
While most people associate tobacco use with heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory problems, its effect on reproductive health is often overlooked. Whether it’s smoking cigarettes, using smokeless tobacco, or exposure to secondhand smoke — the damage is real and scientifically proven.
Tobacco’s Effect on Female Fertility
For women, tobacco affects fertility on multiple levels:
Reduced Ovarian Reserve: Smoking can lead to premature aging of the ovaries and a decline in egg quality and quantity.
Hormonal Imbalance: Nicotine and other harmful substances in tobacco interfere with estrogen production, disrupting menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Increased Risk of Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy: Smokers are at a significantly higher risk due to impaired tubal function and placental damage.
Lower IVF Success Rates: Studies show that women who smoke have reduced success rates with fertility treatments like IVF and IUI.
Tobacco’s Effect on Male Fertility
Men are not immune to tobacco’s reproductive consequences:
Reduced Sperm Count and Quality: Smoking can decrease sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, making conception difficult.
DNA Damage: The chemicals in tobacco can cause genetic mutations in sperm, leading to poor embryo development and a higher risk of miscarriage.
Hormonal Disruption: Smoking affects testosterone levels, which can impair libido and sexual performance.
Erectile Dysfunction: Long-term tobacco use is a known cause of reduced blood flow, leading to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
Secondhand Smoke Harms Too
Even if one partner doesn’t smoke, exposure to secondhand smoke can still impair fertility and affect pregnancy outcomes. It increases the risk of infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
The Good News: It’s Reversible
Quitting tobacco has almost immediate health benefits and can significantly improve fertility outcomes:
Hormonal balance begins to restore.
Sperm and egg quality may improve over time.
Success rates of natural conception and assisted reproductive techniques increase.
Overall pregnancy health improves.
Patki Hospital’s Message
At Patki Hospital, Kolhapur, we specialize in fertility care and women’s health, and we’ve seen firsthand how quitting tobacco can transform a couple’s chances of conception. If you or your partner use tobacco and are planning to start a family, let this World No Tobacco Day be your turning point.
Your Fertility is Worth Protecting.
Say No to Tobacco — For a Healthier Tomorrow.