The World Health Organization has warned that tobacco smoking may reduce the chances of conceiving and negatively affect fertility in both men and women.
In a knowledge summary published on Tuesday, the WHO said tobacco use had been linked to infertility in women, sperm abnormalities and sexual problems in men, while exposure to second-hand smoke could also pose reproductive risks.
The agency noted that infertility affects about one in six people of reproductive age globally and defined it as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
According to WHO, a review of studies conducted between 2000 and 2026 found that women who currently smoke had a 40 per cent higher risk of infertility compared with non-smokers. It also said women who had stopped smoking had a lower infertility risk than those who continued to smoke.
WHO stressed that fertility problems should not be viewed solely as a women’s health issue. A review involving more than 60,000 men found that smoking was associated with reproductive problems, including abnormal semen quality and sexual dysfunction.
Men who smoke may also face a higher likelihood of erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, poor sperm movement and abnormal sperm shape.
The potential impact may also extend to couples undergoing fertility treatment. WHO cited earlier research showing that cigarette smoking was associated with fewer pregnancies and live births following assisted reproductive procedures, including in vitro fertilisation.
The agency further warned that women exposed to second-hand smoke may face a higher risk of infertility and reduced chances of conceiving each month.
While evidence on newer tobacco and nicotine products remains limited, WHO said the strongest evidence currently concerns cigarette smoking. It urged healthcare providers to inform people planning pregnancy about tobacco-related reproductive risks and provide support to those seeking to quit.
