Smoking affects the human body in multiple ways — psychologically, physiologically, mentally, and physically — posing serious risks to overall health and well-being.
Published Mar 12, 2025 | 11:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 12, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Synopsis: As awareness grows, doctors urge smokers to quit — not just for their own well-being, but for the health of future generations. Smoking can affect the fertility of both men and women.
Smoking is one of the most harmful addictions known to humankind, posing serious risks to overall health. While its impact on conditions like cancer and heart disease is well-documented, its effect on fertility often goes unnoticed.
The consequences of smoking on reproductive health are alarming and demand urgent attention. On this No Smoking Day, health experts are highlighting this lesser-known danger — how smoking reduces sperm count in men, causes complications in women’s reproductive health, and threatens the chances of conception.
As awareness grows, doctors urge smokers to quit — not just for their own well-being, but for the health of future generations.
A single cigarette contains tobacco, which is packed with over 4,000 chemical compounds, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. Among these, nicotine is considered the most hazardous and lethal.
Smoking affects the human body in multiple ways — psychologically, physiologically, mentally, and physically — posing serious risks to overall health and well-being.
Typically, in each menstrual cycle, a woman naturally sheds a certain number of eggs. However, smoking speeds up this process, leading to a faster decline in egg count.
“In females, smoking is highly addictive in the long run. Even if it is occasional, such as smoking at parties, it still has an effect. Whether someone is a passive or active smoker, smoking is smoking, and it impacts egg quality. Over time, smoking accelerates the rate at which eggs are shed, causing them to be depleted faster than normal,” Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad Dr Sarada Vani N told South First.
Not only does it reduce the number of eggs, but it also affects their quality. Studies have also suggested that smoking can cause damage to eggs, said Dr Sarada.
“If a pregnant woman smokes, it can have severe consequences. These women are more likely to give birth to babies with low weight and have a higher risk of preterm delivery. Additionally, research suggests that babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy may experience reduced lung function. Some studies even indicate an increased risk of abnormal physical development, such as cleft palate,” said Dr Sarada.
Chief Wellness Officer at Kshemavana Bengaluru Dr Narendra Shetty told South First said that Smoking during pregnancy is even more dangerous, as it significantly increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
“The harmful chemicals in cigarettes, such as tobacco and nicotine, elevate the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In this condition, a fertilised egg fails to reach the womb and instead implants outside of it, which is a life-threatening situation that almost always results in the loss of the baby and, in severe cases, can be fatal for the mother as well,” he said.
He also pointed out that it can negatively impact hormone production, leading to an increased risk of premature menopause. This reduces the window of childbearing, making it more difficult for women to conceive.
Furthermore, smoking is a known risk factor for cervical cancer. “This type of cancer affects the cervix — the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The carcinogenic substances in cigarettes can cause cellular damage, increasing the likelihood of developing this life-threatening disease,” Dr Shetty said.
“Smoking also damages sperm DNA and negatively affects hormones that play a direct role in fertility. Smoking has a significant impact on male fertility. Harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and nicotine can cause gene mutations, leading to DNA damage and apoptosis (cell death) in sperm. This results in reduced sperm count and abnormalities in sperm morphology, affecting overall reproductive health,” said Dr Sarada.
Meanwhile, Dr Shetty added that smoking increases the risk of erectile dysfunction by impairing blood flow, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. It is also linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer.
The prostate gland plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing fluid that forms part of semen. In cases of prostate cancer, the production of this fluid is impaired, further affecting fertility.
“Quitting smoking can significantly improve fertility and overall reproductive health. The impact of smoking on fertility is a pressing concern, and awareness about these risks must be widely spread, received, and understood. Therefore, quitting smoking is a crucial step toward improving both fertility and overall well-being,” said Dr Shetty.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
