Fertility Fact: Smoking decreases sperm quality leading to male infertility.
Smoking and Male Infertility
Smoking cigarettes has substantial harmful effects on fertility. Couples undergoing IVF who smoke have approximately HALF the rate of success per cycle compared to non-smoking couples. In addition, sperm gene damage can occur from direct binding of the toxins in cigarette smoke to DNA.
Smoking cigarettes can cause a decrease in the three main factors that determine sperm quality:
- Sperm Count – an average 22% decrease in men who smoke regularly
- Morphology – the shape of the sperm
- Motility – the ability of the sperm to swim forward and penetrate an egg
Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction
Smoking has also been linked to erectile dysfunction and impotence in men of all ages. Why? Blood flow.
- Carbon monoxide from cigarettes can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. The result is a strain on the heart that then makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to maintain an erection.
- Smoking may also result in fat deposits in blood vessels that restrict blood flow to all organs.
- Smoking may lead to hardening of the arteries – cardiovascular disease – which can also restrict blood flow.
The Good News
Studies have shown that damage is not necessarily permanent and may vary by amount and length of time you have been smoking. Studies have shown a benefit from quitting smoking by at least 2-3 months, and according to Shady Grove Fertility physician, Dr. Joseph Doyle, “Much of the reduction in fertility rates can be completely reversed within a year of stopping.”
Visit smokefree.gov for tips to help you quit smoking.
If you having trouble conceiving, you may need to speak with a fertility specialist. Please call 1-877-971-7755 or click here to learn more.
