WHO report links tobacco use to increased infertility risks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a synthesis of scientific evidence spanning 25 years, concluding that tobacco use significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy for both men and women.

Research indicates that women who currently smoke face a 40% higher risk of infertility compared to non-smokers. However, women who have quit smoking show a 25% lower risk than those who continue to use tobacco, suggesting that cessation can improve reproductive outcomes. Additionally, tobacco use is linked to reduced success rates in assisted reproduction, such as in vitro fertilization, where success probabilities may be halved.

In men, a review of 44 studies involving 60,000 participants linked smoking to various reproductive dysfunctions. These include erectile dysfunction, ejaculation issues, absence of sperm in semen, reduced sperm motility, and morphological alterations. The WHO also warned that exposure to secondhand smoke can increase infertility risks.