Smoking is an issue that affects more than the lungs and heart as there’s a direct link between this habit and infertility in both women and men. Here are some important facts to know about this habit and how it influences your chances of getting pregnant.

The Effects of Smoking

Women

Females who are exposed to toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke have fewer usable eggs than nonsmokers. These chemicals speed up egg loss, and women who smoke will experience menopause one to four years earlier, reducing their reproductive years. Additionally, women are especially sensitive to smoke as inhaling it second-hand can increase their infertility. Even with ovary-stimulating medications during IVF treatment, smokers tend to have fewer eggs available for retrieval.

Men

Smoking lowers sperm count and motility. Cigarette chemicals can also alter sperm shape, making them abnormal and unable to fertilize an egg. Additionally, men who smoke tend to have lower success rates with IVF treatments. Research suggests that men and women who smoke are nearly twice as likely to be infertile as those who don’t.

How to Quit

To ensure the highest chances of conception, couples should make a plan to quit smoking. Pick a quit date, and discuss your intention to stop with family and friends; this will give you a large circle of support and accountability. When the day arrives, throw out all cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and other smoking accessories.

Change your routine to prevent the habits and factors that make you want to have a cigarette. Switch to tea or a healthy smoothie if you’re used to having a smoke with your morning coffee. If you’re accustomed to smoking during breaks at work, go for a brisk walk around the building instead.

To minimize stress during the beginning of your quit plan, make time for relaxation, such as meditating, getting a massage, and taking a long bath at the end of the day.

While there’s a damaging relationship between smoking and fertility, IVF treatments may be able to help. If you’re a smoker who’s experiencing difficulty conceiving, contact the compassionate team at IVF Hawaii in Honolulu. Their infertility specialists are led by board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Benton Chun. These professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care to address your needs and have the highest IVF success rate in the state. Call (808) 538-6655 to schedule an appointment, or read patient testimonials online.