It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health, so it\’s probably no surprise that it can affect your fertility as well.
Remember it takes two to make a baby and smoking affects sperm quality as well as fertility. Smoking is linked to low sperm counts and low sperm motility, all problems reducing the quality of sperm and as a result cause fertility issues.
It has been found that female smokers can also take longer to get pregnant compared to non smokers as smoking can affect the production of hormones. Some over the counter medications like anti-inflammatories can affect your fertility levels as well. Ultimately quitting smoking can increase your ability to conceive.
Smoking during pregnancy?
There are significant associations between maternal cigarette smoking in pregnancy:
- Premature babies with a low birth weight.
- Babies having smaller organs than usual.
- Babies that are ill more frequently.
- Stillbirths.
- Infant mortality.
Similar problems apply to users of recreational drugs in both women and men.
Advice from the Fertility Clinic
It’s never too late to stop smoking and increase your chances of getting pregnant. It\’s best for you, your partner and your future baby if you quit before you get pregnant. You can get support and advice about stopping smoking from your GP or for further information contact Femplus Fertility Clinic.
Author Rita Galimberti Femplus Clinic