How Does Smoking Affect IVF? Effects of Smoking on Male Fertility and Female Fertility

Are you a smoker who’s planning to become a biological parent naturally or through IVF? Then this blog is for you and gives complete information about the effects of smoking on fertility.

There is enough research to prove that smoking negatively impacts male fertility and female fertility. From reducing egg quality to decreasing sperm motility – smoking affects male and female fertility in many ways. Hence, it goes beyond saying that for someone undergoing in vitro fertilization, there can be serious IVF complications due to smoking. If you and your partner has been considering IVF, in today’s blog, we will discuss the effects of smoking on fertility and the link between smoking and IVF success rates.

The Connection Between Smoking and Fertility

Let’s talk about male smoking and IVF outcomes as well as smoke exposure’s negative impact on female fertility.

First, let us debunk the biggest myth: only women should be concerned about the impact of nicotine on fertility. Smoke exposure is as had for men as it is for women. Here’s why:

Smokers get exposed to high levels of lead and cadmium. These are toxic metals with harmful effects, especially on fertility levels.

Effects of Cigarette Smoking on IVF Outcomes

According to fertility specialists, smoking during fertility treatments affects male fertility and female fertility. That’s because if a woman needs IVF, it means that her fertility levels are already low. In such a situation, exposure to even secondhand smoke can make it more challenging to conceive. Studies on fertility treatment and smoking risks have shown the same kind of detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on male fertility.

Here are some of the ill effects of cigarette smoking on your reproductive health during your IVF journey:

1. Egg quality and smoking

Ovaries are among the major reproductive organs in females. The chemicals present in cigarette smoke can potentially damage a woman’s ovaries. When ovaries are not in perfect condition, during the egg retrieval process, very few oocytes will be received. This can result to a failed IVF cycle. So, now you must understand the connection between smoking and ovarian reserve.

2. Sperm damage

Levels of metals like cadmium and lead are high in nicotine. Both metals affect the quality of semen and lead to lower sperm count. Sperm morphology, DNA integrity, and motility are also affected. Then the male fails to fertilize the mature eggs of the female.

3. Impaired endometrial lining

Did you know that smoking can even make your uterine line thin? It has been discovered that for smokers, the uterine lining is 2 mm thinner compared to non-smokers. It goes beyond saying that when endometrial thickness decreases, the IVF treatment will be futile.

4. Increased risk of miscarriage

The risk of miscarriage is also higher in smokers than non-smokers. Due to the presence of chemicals, the placenta and developing fetus can be directly harmed. The fetus can suffer from problems like obstructed blood supply, developmental issues, and nutrient deprivation. This happens primarily because of the vasoconstrictive effects of carbon monoxide and nicotine found in tobacco smoke.

When to Stop Smoking?

Smoking in general is not good for people of any age group. And for couples trying to get pregnant, both partners should quit smoking at least four months before planning the baby.

Just limiting the intake of cigarettes won’t suffice as even low levels of nicotine can be life-threatening for your baby. For instance, smoking less does not decrease the risk of low weight during birth. As mentioned already, premature birth and ectopic pregnancy are also linked with smoking.

Although several cigarette manufacturing companies assert that low nicotine and low-tar cigarettes are safe to consume during pregnancy, these are false claims. However, here’s the good news: If you bid adieu to smoking just a few months before taking those IVF injections, the risks of pregnancy failure will get as low as birthing women who have never indulged in smoking.

In case the process of IVF has already begun, stop smoking immediately as you are looking forward to becoming pregnant.

How to Quit Smoking During Pregnancy

Smoking cessation before IVF is not easy for those who are long-term smokers. Nicotine replacement therapy is considered safe. Patches, mouth sprays, nasal sprays, and inhalers are commonly available NRT products. However, it is better to get them prescribed by a healthcare professional based on the level of addiction.

There are several natural ways to resist cigarette cravings. Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga can help you stay away from cigarettes. Exercising too will increase your willpower and self-control.

The Bottom Line

So, now you know that decrease in the quality of sperm and eggs, implantation failure, miscarriage, etc., are some outcomes of tobacco use. Hence, to achieve a successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology, stop smoking at the earliest.

The impact of smoking can be reversed quicker if you adopt a healthy lifestyle. A pregnancy-friendly lifestyle should include exercise, nutrient-rich foods, regular intake of prenatal proper hydration, and adequate sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does smoking reduce IVF success rates?

Yes, smoking causes various fertility problems (like poor egg quality, low sperm count, etc.), thus making it more difficult for you to conceive through IVF or any other assisted reproductive technology.

How long before IVF should I quit smoking?

Fertility experts opine that one should quit smoking 3-4 months before committing to the process of IVF. This is mandatory to maximize the chances of success.

References:

Cigarette smoking and outcomes of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a prospective cohort study – PubMed

The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Male Fertility – PMC

Does cigarette smoking really have detrimental effects on outcomes of IVF? – PubMed

How Smoking Affects Reproductive Health | FDA

Dr Ritu Agarwal

Dr. Ritu Agarwal is an appreciated IVF expert in Jaipur for IVF therapy, owing to her more than ten years of experience in this field. She is the top IVF specialist in Jaipur who makes every attempt to provide correct counseling and emotional support to patients in order to help them find the ideal solution for becoming parents.