A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that smoking significantly reduces fertility chances for both genders. The findings, released on September 11, 2026, reveal that tobacco use is linked to infertility in women and adverse effects on male reproductive health.
Key Findings on Smoking and Fertility
Women who smoke have a 40 percent higher risk of infertility compared to non-smokers.
World Health Organization
- Quitting smoking reduces infertility risk by 25 percent in women.
- Men who smoke experience reproductive issues, including semen abnormalities and erectile dysfunction.
- Assisted reproduction success rates, such as in vitro fertilization, may be cut by nearly half due to smoking.
The WHO's analysis, which reviewed studies from 2000 to 2026, highlights that approximately one in six individuals of reproductive age globally faces infertility at some point in their lives. This data sheds light on the broader implications of smoking, not just as a health hazard but also as a significant factor affecting family planning and population growth.
While smoking's impact on health has long been established, its specific effects on reproductive health raise new concerns. The WHO's findings may compel stronger public health campaigns aimed at smoking cessation, especially targeted at younger populations considering starting families.