It is the cherished dream of every couple to parent a child. But in about 15-25% of cases they may not be able to do so due to tobacco. Their habit may be responsible for them opting for infertility treatment. Tobacco use today is one of the biggest causes of infertility. It affects both males and females adversely. In fact passive smoking also affects fertility.
Effects of Tobacco on Fertility:
In April of 2016, a meta-analysis of 20 studies published covering 5000 men across Europe in European urology showed that smoking was associated with decreased sperm count, decreased sperm motility (the swimming capacity of sperms) and poor sperm morphology (the shape of sperm), greater the tobacco exposure, greater the impact.
Even with advancements in technology in terms of IUI, IVF-ICSI the success chances are lowered in couples in whom any of the partners indulges in tobacco use. To quantify studies have shown 23% reduction in sperm concentration, 13% decrease in sperm motility in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Even the DNA of sperms undergoes damage in form of fragmentation leading to IVF-ICSI failures and higher miscarriage rate.
What to do if Smoking is a perpetual habit?
Don’t worry, it’s never too late quitting smoking kind of restores your semen parameters within three months. So let’s look up to this ray of hope and say no top tobacco in all forms today. You can consult a psychiatrist if you are a chronic smoker and a psychologist if you smoke less. They shall counsel you and they may recommend few drugs to ensure that you are able to curb the urge to smoke. Feel free to discuss your apprehensions with everyone and remember that you are not the first to go on this road. Numerous others have been on the same and have won.
